Lateral flow tests Northern Ireland: No shortage in supply as DoH details how to get them - Belfast Live

The Department of Health has issued a statement as coronavirus testing throughout the UK reaches an "exceptionally high demand."

In Northern Ireland, changes to who should get a PCR test were announced on December 29.

The Public Health Agency made the announcement on Wednesday after record numbers of people were tested this week with over 21,000 tests done on Monday, December 27.

Under the new testing rules, fully-vaccinated close contacts are no longer required to take a PCR test, but are instead advised to take a lateral flow test as soon as possible.

The close contact should then take daily lateral flow tests until the tenth day after the last date of contact with the positive case.

If an LFD turns positive at any time during the 10 days, they should arrange a PCR test. Unvaccinated people will have to continue to self-isolate for 10 days as before.

As a result, Gerard Greene, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, said that "demand is outstripping supply" for lateral flow testing kits in Northern Ireland.

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In a statement issued to Belfast Live, the Department of Health said the last month has seen an "unprecedented increase" in the demand for lateral flow tests.

Despite this, however, they make it clear Northern Ireland has "sufficient stock" of the kits and there is "no shortage of tests."

They added that community pharmacies are currently receiving 750,000 tests per week, and there are more than 580 test collection sites across NI.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: "This is a period of exceptionally high demand for testing across the UK. PCR tests are managed on a 4 country basis as part of the National Testing Programme and more tests are released each day.

"If you are unable to secure a test, people are encouraged to please be patient and to try back later.

"Please only book a PCR test when necessary. This is key to help protect the testing system in Northern Ireland and ensure availability of testing for those who need it.

"The last month has also seen an unprecedented increase in demand for lateral flow tests. Despite this Northern Ireland continues to have sufficient stock and there is no shortage of tests. The Department continues to work extremely hard with all logistics partners to ensure delivery of stock to pharmacies and other collect sites across Northern Ireland.

"Stocks of LFDs held locally in Northern Ireland have also been increased to provide additional resilience against increased demand.

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"Community Pharmacies are currently receiving 750k tests per week. Individual collection sites may at times run low on stock between deliveries; however there are a range of options that people can use to access tests.

"This includes the Home Channel which has seen its’ capacity significantly increase, making it easier for people to order tests online for home delivery.

"There are more than 580 collection sites across Northern Ireland, including more than 500 community pharmacies.

"To find a collection location close to you, go to the site finder online at https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/."

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2021-12-30 11:41:44Z
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