Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has welcomed the new availability of routine asymptomatic testing in Wales for all those who cannot work from home, but is also calling for it to be made available to those who don’t work, and to be accessible online.
James recently enquired about the introduction of twice weekly rapid lateral flow tests in Wales, which became available free of charge to all in England on April 9th, during a meeting with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).
He is therefore pleased that the health board have confirmed that from Friday (April 16th) anyone unable to work from home, and their households, can now collect Lateral Flow Device (LFD) kits to allow twice-weekly testing.
However, he is concerned that those not working are not eligible for them and that the kits will only be available at three collection points across North Wales, in Rhyl, Bangor and Wrexham.
Commenting, James said:
“It is great news that these tests are being made available, albeit slightly later than in England. The need for them is something I raised in my most recent meeting with the health board.
“I am concerned however that they are only going to be available to people who cannot work from home. Those not working, whether because they are on Universal Credit or are retired, are not eligible.
“I raised this with the health board and was told they are taking direction from the Welsh Government.
“They also informed me that the Welsh Government “are looking at other collection venues to be made available, and for direct delivery to people’s homes”. I really hope this is the case as three collection points across the whole of North Wales is simply not enough.
“Lateral Flow Tests are valuable in ensuring that we continue to suppress the number of Covid cases, and can therefore ensure that further lockdown restrictions will never be needed again. It is therefore important that they are convenient and accessible to all who want them.
“Many working people will not find it easy to pick up tests under the current arrangements and I believe there should be the option for people to order them online on the gov.uk portal, as in England.“
The tests will be available from the following local testing sites:
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Rhyl, Quay Street Carpark (LL18 1NS)
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Bangor, Dean Street Car Park (LL57 1UP)
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Wrexham, Memorial Hall (LL12 7AG)
At each testing site people will be able to collect the rapid lateral flow tests between 08:00 and 13:00. They will not need to make an appointment before collection. Sites will close for a deep clean and re-open for symptomatic PCR testing between 14:00 and 20:00 each day.
Each person will routinely be able to collect two packs of seven LFD self-test kits for home use. It is recommended that tests are undertaken twice a week with the results recorded on the UK Government portal.
