Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment has been made of the potential impact of the changes to the COVID-19 testing system that will come into effect after 1 April 2022 on the ability of vulnerable groups to access (a) covid-19 tests and (b) subsequent antiviral treatment which is dependent on receipt of a positive test.

Patients at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and who are eligible for treatments will continue to have access to free lateral flow device tests from 1 April.

The highest risk patient group will be contacted to confirm their continued access to free testing and will receive lateral flow device tests to use should they become symptomatic. Individuals will also be informed how to reorder further tests. The retention of free testing in this patient group will facilitate continued access to COVID-19 treatments, including antivirals.