Scaling back free Covid tests could hinder UK if new variant emerges, say experts
by Aubrey Allegretti Political correspondent from Science | The Guardian on (#5W6PD)
Exclusive: Group representing local bodies warns that forcing people to pay for PCR tests could hit take-up
Ministers' plans to scale back free PCR Covid tests could weaken the UK's defences if a new variant of the virus emerges that results in significant new waves" of cases, a group representing local public health chiefs has warned.
Before a meeting of cabinet ministers and the prime minister later this week to discuss the learning to live with Covid" strategy, the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) said that forcing people to pay for lateral flow tests would also have a detrimental impact" on take-up, particularly among disadvantaged communities.
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