It's still possible to order a free box of lateral flow device (LFD) tests in Wales, despite the Welsh Government's announcement that the service would be withdrawn at the end of July. The tests were made free until July 31 following a spike in Covid cases and the rise of the BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants.
When the extension of free testing was announced on June 24, an estimated one in 45 people in Wales had Covid. At the point when the end of free testing was announced on July 29, the figure had risen to one in 19 - but was estimated to be past its peak.
But even though yesterday was supposed to be the final day of free tests being available, the GOV.UK website still allows you to order tests for free, without stating that you have symptoms, if you enter a Welsh address. The Welsh Government website says you can order free tests only if you are eligible for Covid treatments, going to visit somebody who is eligible for them, or if a GP or healthcare professional asks you to take a test. You can get more health news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Trying to order tests to an English address brings up a message saying that most people in England can no longer order free tests unless, for example, they're eligible for Covid treatments, being admitted into hospital, working in healthcare or adult social care, or a healthcare professional has asked them to get a test.
READ MORE: Covid infections in the UK have fallen for the first time in two months
LFD tests for Covid were introduced after an Oxford University study and became one of the main ways of testing for the virus, especially after the closure of PCR testing sites in Wales at the start of April. Whilst it is no longer required by law, the Welsh Government advises staying home if possible when you have Covid - and if this isn't possible, wearing a mask, reducing the number of people you see, and keeping a safe distance from them.
When the Welsh Government announced that free testing would end in August, health minister Eluned Morgan said: "In view of the latest evidence, including decreasing prevalence, from 1 August we will pause provision of free lateral flow tests to members of the public with symptoms of Covid-19. This is consistent with our long-term Covid-19 transition from pandemic to endemic for Wales."
A Welsh Government spokesperson responded to WalesOnline's request for comment by saying that the issue had been fixed and the general public's access to tests had been removed. However, at the time of writing, this was not the case and free tests were still available on the website.
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