Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that people who are extremely critically vulnerable are able to receive free covid-19 PCR tests.

Those at higher risk of serious illness and who are eligible for treatment continue to have access to free lateral flow device (LFD) testing. The UK Health Security Agency has issued a pack of LFD tests to all potentially eligible patients for use if they become symptomatic. These patients can re-order free tests via GOV.UK or 119.

The priority polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test channel is no longer used to access treatments. Patients in the COVID Medicines Delivery Unit cohort are asked to use LFD testing to access treatment as quickly as possible following symptom onset, when it is most likely to be effective. Individuals with a priority PCR kit at home should retain it as they may be asked to use a PCR test if they receive a COVID-19 treatment. The National Health Service team arranging the patient’s treatment will advise how to obtain a PCR test if required and when it should be used.