Twice weekly testing launched as England prepares for Monday lockdown easing

9 April 2021, 08:23

Twice weekly lateral flow tests are now available to anybody in England
Twice weekly lateral flow tests are now available to anybody in England. Picture: PA Images
Ewan Quayle

By Ewan Quayle

Everyone in England is being encouraged to undergo voluntary twice-weekly Covid-19 testing.

The Government aims to encourage the public to "get into the habit" of ordering and using testing kits regularly as hospitality and leisure businesses reopen for the first time since January.

People can order the lateral flow tests to their homes, and they provide results in around 30 minutes.

Anybody can now access free rapid lateral flow tests (LFDs) for themselves and their household twice a week, with a major public information campaign set to launch on Friday evening explaining the changes.

Ministers have ordered an advertising blitz across TV, radio, newspapers, outdoor advertising and social media encouraging everybody to take part in the scheme, with the first TV ad airing on ITV at 7.15pm on Friday.

READ MORE: Government refuses to confirm return date for foreign holidays

READ MORE: Gyms and household mixing to return earlier in Wales as lockdown easing sped up

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "Around one in three people have coronavirus without any symptoms, so getting tested regularly is one of the simplest and easiest ways we can keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. I’d encourage everyone to take up the offer and test twice a week.

"Alongside the successful rollout of the vaccination programme, rapid testing will be one of our most effective weapons in tackling this virus and ensuring we can cautiously reopen our economy and parts of society that we have all missed.

"The British people have made a tremendous effort throughout the pandemic and I am confident they will do the same now by taking up this offer of free, rapid tests."

Mass testing programmes are also being carried out in schools and workplaces
Mass testing programmes are also being carried out in schools and workplaces. Picture: PA Images

The adverts will encourage people to fit testing into their morning routine, explain how LFD tests show results in under 30 minutes and will be, according to Government officials, crucial in allowing England to slowly return to somewhat normality after a year of tough restrictions.

The tests can be ordered online through a home ordering service, where people can have a pack of 7 LFDs sent to their home or ready to collect from a testing site with instructions on how to use them.

Many workplaces are also running their own testing schemes, as well as local authorities, schools and pharmacies across the country.

READ MORE: Calls for greater clarity after Government travel report published

From Sunday, the 'Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air' campaign will also change to remind the public to use the NHS Covid app to check in to businesses, including outdoor hospitality, hairdressers and gyms.

All members of a group will either have to check in using the app or leave contact details manually, and users who have been at a venue where multiple people later test positive will now be encouraged to book a test and monitoring their symptoms to further prevent asymptomatic transmission.

Nick Ferrari scrutinises Hancock over significant vaccine drop

TV doctor and practising GP, Dr Zoe Williams said: "Twice weekly testing will be crucial in helping us manage the spread of the virus as society starts to reopen.

"The tests are quick and easy to do, and results come back in 30 minutes. Key workers such as myself and my colleagues have been carrying these out for the last few months, and it’s amazing how quickly they have become second nature to us.

"However, it’s important to remember that there is not one silver bullet in the fight against Covid-19, and even with a negative test result, we must still follow social distancing guidelines – hands, face, space, fresh air, and go for our vaccines when called."

People will need to register their results online or call 119, with the usual requirement to self-isolate if they test positive for the virus. People who test positive will also be asked to book a PCR test to double check.

There have been concerns over the accuracy of lateral flow tests, with recent Test and Trace data shows there has been fewer than one false positive for every 1,000 lateral flow tests carried out.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A gloved hand puts a needle into a woman's face

Health warning issued after UK cases of life-threatening condition linked to Botox

Kate Shemirani, conspiracy theorist, anti-vaxxer and former nurse

Doctor's concerns that a conspiracy theorist influenced her daughter's refusal of cancer treatment, an inquest heard

Lightning in the sky

Amber weather warning comes into place as thunderstorms bring threat of flooding

Soham monster murderer Ian Huntley has sparked outrage by wearing a number 10 Man Utd-style football shirt in an apparent reference to his victims - 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

Soham monster Ian Huntley 'wears Man Utd-style top' in apparent sick reference to 10-year-old victims

Dozens of Russian spies have been sanctioned by the Government - including 18 military intelligence officers who the Foreign Office says are responsible for malicious cyber-attacks on Britain.

Revealed: Russian spies sanctioned for cyber attacks including on Salisbury Novichok victim Yulia Skripal

Demonstration on the eve of parliament voting to proscribe Palestine Action.

Five charged over break-in at weapons firm Elbit Systems UK during Palestine Action protest

A fund has been launched in memory of the two men who were found dead in the holiday pool

Sister pays tribute to drowned Briton who ‘died trying to save his friend’ in Portugal

The tech firm whose CEO was caught seemingly having an affair with his colleague on the kisscam at a Coldplay gig has broken its silence after a fake statement from the CEO went viral.

Tech firm launches investigation into CEO caught 'having an affair' on kisscam with HR chief at Coldplay gig

Distressing footage Body worn footage shows PC Lydia Ward being comforted by colleagues as she is bleeding from the nose after she tried to arrest an assault suspect at Manchester Airport.

Student tells court he 'did not know' police officers he hit at Manchester Airport were women

Sandie Peggie is the claimant in the tribunal case against NHS Fife.

NHS Fife calls in cops over threats to staff in controversial tribunal case

Arsenal unveil new signing Noni Madueke at Sobha Realty Training Centre on July 18, 2025 in London Colney, England.

Arsenal complete £50m transfer of Chelsea forward amid ‘bullying’ by section of fans

Appearing in Woolwich Crown Court, each member of the group of eight were jailed for their involvement in supplying nearly a tonne of cocaine over seven months.

Drug dealing ‘gangster granny’ who led family in lucrative £1k-a-day cocaine operation jailed for 20 years

Patrick Howlett, 58

Man who sent £56,000 to Philippines for livestreamed sexual abuse of children jailed for 30 years

The chancellor seems likely to freeze fuel duty once again in the autumn Budget, easing a burden on thousands of households amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Major cost of living boost as fuel duty to be frozen once again

The explosion happened at Biscailuz Center Academy Training.

At least three people killed in 'horrific incident' at Los Angeles sheriff training facility

Jess Glynne usually closes her shows with Hold My Hand, which has become her signature song

Fans chant 'nothing beats a Jet2 holiday' at Jess Glynne concert