Question reference: S6W-01341
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 8 July 2021
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 26 July 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it can confirm that no charges will be introduced for COVID-19 lateral flow tests, and for how long free lateral flow test kits will be available to the public.
Answer
On 26 April free lateral flow device (LFD) test kits were made available to everyone in Scotland, for twice-weekly asymptomatic COVID-19 testing via the universally accessible testing offer. In addition to this, free LFD test kits are available through the Scottish Government’s targeted asymptomatic testing programme which includes routine testing for:
- health care workers
- educational staff, senior phase pupils and HE/FE students
- prioritised workforces in the public sector and in critical national infrastructure
- high risk private sector settings such as food processing businesses
Free access to LFD test kits has been extended through the summer period until September, when a formal review will be undertaken by the Scottish Government. Workforce testing is currently being expanded and as now is open to all private sector organizations with more than ten employees.
The Scottish Government has no immediate plans to charge for LFD tests.