People in England and Scotland urged to take more lateral flow tests

UK government guidance updated to cover socialising indoors, as Scotland's first minister urges people to make extra effort'

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Covid guidance is being toughened across the UK to try to prevent a surge in cases before Christmas, with a focus on more rapid tests and home working. But scientists said messaging must be reinforced with a significant government publicity blitz.

In an update to official guidance, people in England are now advised to take a lateral flow test (LFT) if they expect to be in a high risk situation" that day, such as spending time in crowded and enclosed spaces" and where there is limited fresh air".