The routine, twice-weekly asymptomatic Covid-19 testing by pharmacy staff can be paused from the end of August.
The health regulator announced that regular asymptomatic testing for Covid-19 will be paused in all remaining health and care settings from 31 August 2022.
Currently all pharmacy staff test twice-weekly for Covid-19, using a self-administered Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test at home.
“Prevalence of Covid-19 in the community has fallen and remains at a comparatively low level as we emerge from the current Omicron wave. This means that the likelihood that individuals entering healthcare settings are infectious has also reduced and the relative risk of onward transmission into these settings is lower.”
Where pharmacy staff have symptoms of Covid-19, they should continue to undertake LFD testing, as described in the UKHSA Covid-19: managing healthcare staff with symptoms of a respiratory infection guidance.
Where LFD tests kits are still required, pharmacy team can order them from the GOV.UK website.
Cat Smith, Labour MP for Lancaster and Wyre