The number of people estimated to have had Covid in the last week has taken another rise, according to a recent study.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Covid Infection Study estimated that one in 20 Scots had the virus in the week ending June 17.
Experts have expressed concerns over a ‘new wave’ of the virus, which is said to be driven by the BA.4 and BA.5 variants of the virus.
READ MORE: Current Covid rules in Scotland - what happens if you test positive and symptoms
The UK Health Security Agency says that the two variants have an apparent ‘growth advantage’ when compared with the currently dominant Omicron BA.2 variant.
There is so far no evidence to suggest that the strain is more likely to cause more severe illness or death.
Despite the rise in case numbers, Scottish health officials have ruled out a return to restrictions.
Scotland’s National Clinical Director Jason Leitch said that there would have to be ‘something dramatic’ for the Scottish Government to resort back to measures.
There has been changes to Scotland’s Covid testing regime over the past few months.
Here is everything you need to know.
Who is eligible for free testing in Scotland?
The Scottish Government brought free mass testing for Covid to an end from April 30 - with test centres across the country closing their doors.
Scots are also no longer legally required to test for Covid if they have symptoms of the virus.
However, some people can still access free tests on the NHS in certain circumstances.
These include:
- If you work in NHS health or social care settings
- If you have a health condition which means you’re eligible for new Covid treatments
- If you are going into hospital for surgery or a procedure
- If you are visiting a hospital or care home
- If you are an unpaid carer
- If you are applying for the self-isolation support grant
What to do if you would like to test but do not fit the above criteria
A number of high street pharmacies and online retailers are selling packs of lateral flow tests at the moment.
An example of this is Lloyds Pharmacy, who are selling the rapid tests in packs of one (£1.89), five (£9) and 10 (£17).
Holidaymakers must purchase a different kind of kit, known as “fit to fly”, if they are seeking a test result before heading abroad.
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