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 have not received free priority covid-19 PCR tests are able to access them.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test kits are now being used to support disease surveillance efforts rather than for diagnostic and treatment access. Patients who are prescribed a treatment will be asked to voluntarily take a PCR test before and after their treatment. COVID Medicines Delivery Units will provide instructions to patients on testing and how to receive a PCR test kit.

Patients at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and who are eligible for community treatments will continue to have access to free lateral flow device (LFD) tests. These patients have been issued with a pack of LFD tests should they become symptomatic, to ensure these patients receive treatments as soon as possible after symptom onset, when it is most likely to be effective. Individuals who may be eligible for a LFD test kit should contact 119 for advice. Patients who have already received a kit will be advised how to reorder further tests through GOV.UK or 119.