AQW 27559/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 16/12/2021
Answered On Date: 05/01/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the current provision of publicly available free lateral flow tests.

Answer:

There has been a steep rise in demand for Lateral Flow Tests over recent weeks. Testing is an important tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and increased participation in testing is welcome. There is a sufficient stock of Lateral Flow Tests ringfenced for Northern Ireland.

Lateral Flow Tests can be ordered for free home delivery online or by calling 119. Capacity to process online orders has been under significant pressure. The UK Health Security Agency has been working to address this.

Free tests can also be collected from more than 580 sites across Northern Ireland, including more than 500 community pharmacies. Constituents can collect free Lateral Flow Test kits by visiting the NHS UK site finder online. Due to high-demand, individual collect sites may, at times, run low on stock between deliveries. Additional deliveries of test kits are being made into Northern Ireland.

All businesses across Northern Ireland can participate in the workforce testing programme to receive free Lateral Flow Tests for their staff. Expressions of Interest to participate in the programme have been welcomed from businesses since March 2021. Community and voluntary sector groups can also register with the Department of Health to receive free tests to provide to their staff and service users.