Free side-flow coronavirus tests will no longer be available to the majority of the general public from next week.
From Monday 22 August, most people with Covid-19 symptoms will no longer be advised to have a lateral flow test.
Only those eligible for new coronavirus treatments and those working in health and social care settings will be eligible for a free lateral flow test.
The Department of Health says the change in policy is in line with the Test, Trace and Protect policy it published in March 2022.
Dr Joanne McClean, deputy chief medical officer, said: “We have always said we would keep the measures for Covid-19 under review, taking into account the trajectory of the virus.
“While Covid-19 is still circulating, infection levels in the community are falling and the overall impact from severe disease remains low at this time.
“Currently, the most common symptoms of Covid-19 are similar to other respiratory viruses such as influenza.
“Therefore, it is appropriate that testing is no longer one of the main tools in the fight against the virus for the majority of people.”
The Department of Health said it was important that people “monitor their symptoms and take appropriate measures to minimize contact with others”.
The department encourages anyone with a high temperature or who is unwell to go to work, stay home and minimize contact with others, especially those considered vulnerable.
Respiratory infections, including Covid-19 and influenza, can spread easily and cause serious illness in some people.
“It is important that people pay attention to their symptoms and take appropriate steps to minimize contact with others,” the department said.
“Covid-19 rates in Northern Ireland have fallen and the signs are that they are continuing to fall,” Dr McClean added.
In figures published on Friday, the Statistics and Research Agency for Northern Ireland reported 16 deaths from Covid recorded in the week to 12 August. That was three less than last week.
A total of 4,809 coronavirus-related deaths have occurred in Northern Ireland.
The latest information from the Office for National Statistics shows that in the week to 8 August 2022 around one in 50 people in Northern Ireland had Covid-19.
“This has fallen since the peak in early summer. As we move into fall, we may see infection rates rise again.
“We will monitor the situation closely and take appropriate action at that time if necessary.”
“Some people may have test kits at home and may decide to continue testing,” Dr McClean added.
“The advice for adults who test positive remains the same – stay at home and avoid contact with others for five days from the date of the positive test.
“As children tend to be less infectious than adults, the isolation period for children is three days.”
Want a quick and special update on the biggest news? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out what you need to know.
title: “Free Sidestreams Removed For Public Due To Changes To Covid Testing In Northern Ireland Utv Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-09” author: “Eric Criswell”
Free side-flow coronavirus tests will no longer be available to the majority of the general public from next week.
From Monday 22 August, most people with Covid-19 symptoms will no longer be advised to have a lateral flow test.
Only those eligible for new coronavirus treatments and those working in health and social care settings will be eligible for a free lateral flow test.
The Department of Health says the change in policy is in line with the Test, Trace and Protect policy it published in March 2022.
Dr Joanne McClean, deputy chief medical officer, said: “We have always said we would keep the measures for Covid-19 under review, taking into account the trajectory of the virus.
“While Covid-19 is still circulating, infection levels in the community are falling and the overall impact from severe disease remains low at this time.
“Currently, the most common symptoms of Covid-19 are similar to other respiratory viruses such as influenza.
“Therefore, it is appropriate that testing is no longer one of the main tools in the fight against the virus for the majority of people.”
The Department of Health said it was important that people “monitor their symptoms and take appropriate measures to minimize contact with others”.
The department encourages anyone with a high temperature or who is unwell to go to work, stay home and minimize contact with others, especially those considered vulnerable.
Respiratory infections, including Covid-19 and influenza, can spread easily and cause serious illness in some people.
“It is important that people pay attention to their symptoms and take appropriate steps to minimize contact with others,” the department said.
“Covid-19 rates in Northern Ireland have fallen and the signs are that they are continuing to fall,” Dr McClean added.
In figures published on Friday, the Statistics and Research Agency for Northern Ireland reported 16 deaths from Covid recorded in the week to 12 August. That was three less than last week.
A total of 4,809 coronavirus-related deaths have occurred in Northern Ireland.
The latest information from the Office for National Statistics shows that in the week to 8 August 2022 around one in 50 people in Northern Ireland had Covid-19.
“This has fallen since the peak in early summer. As we move into fall, we may see infection rates rise again.
“We will monitor the situation closely and take appropriate action at that time if necessary.”
“Some people may have test kits at home and may decide to continue testing,” Dr McClean added.
“The advice for adults who test positive remains the same – stay at home and avoid contact with others for five days from the date of the positive test.
“As children tend to be less infectious than adults, the isolation period for children is three days.”
Want a quick and special update on the biggest news? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out what you need to know.
title: “Free Sidestreams Removed For Public Due To Changes To Covid Testing In Northern Ireland Utv Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-10-23” author: “Jamie Chandler”
Free side-flow coronavirus tests will no longer be available to the majority of the general public from next week.
From Monday 22 August, most people with Covid-19 symptoms will no longer be advised to have a lateral flow test.
Only those eligible for new coronavirus treatments and those working in health and social care settings will be eligible for a free lateral flow test.
The Department of Health says the change in policy is in line with the Test, Trace and Protect policy it published in March 2022.
Dr Joanne McClean, deputy chief medical officer, said: “We have always said we would keep the measures for Covid-19 under review, taking into account the trajectory of the virus.
“While Covid-19 is still circulating, infection levels in the community are falling and the overall impact from severe disease remains low at this time.
“Currently, the most common symptoms of Covid-19 are similar to other respiratory viruses such as influenza.
“Therefore, it is appropriate that testing is no longer one of the main tools in the fight against the virus for the majority of people.”
The Department of Health said it was important that people “monitor their symptoms and take appropriate measures to minimize contact with others”.
The department encourages anyone with a high temperature or who is unwell to go to work, stay home and minimize contact with others, especially those considered vulnerable.
Respiratory infections, including Covid-19 and influenza, can spread easily and cause serious illness in some people.
“It is important that people pay attention to their symptoms and take appropriate steps to minimize contact with others,” the department said.
“Covid-19 rates in Northern Ireland have fallen and the signs are that they are continuing to fall,” Dr McClean added.
In figures published on Friday, the Statistics and Research Agency for Northern Ireland reported 16 deaths from Covid recorded in the week to 12 August. That was three less than last week.
A total of 4,809 coronavirus-related deaths have occurred in Northern Ireland.
The latest information from the Office for National Statistics shows that in the week to 8 August 2022 around one in 50 people in Northern Ireland had Covid-19.
“This has fallen since the peak in early summer. As we move into fall, we may see infection rates rise again.
“We will monitor the situation closely and take appropriate action at that time if necessary.”
“Some people may have test kits at home and may decide to continue testing,” Dr McClean added.
“The advice for adults who test positive remains the same – stay at home and avoid contact with others for five days from the date of the positive test.
“As children tend to be less infectious than adults, the isolation period for children is three days.”
Want a quick and special update on the biggest news? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out what you need to know.
title: “Free Sidestreams Removed For Public Due To Changes To Covid Testing In Northern Ireland Utv Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-24” author: “Douglas Hetzel”
Free side-flow coronavirus tests will no longer be available to the majority of the general public from next week.
From Monday 22 August, most people with Covid-19 symptoms will no longer be advised to have a lateral flow test.
Only those eligible for new coronavirus treatments and those working in health and social care settings will be eligible for a free lateral flow test.
The Department of Health says the change in policy is in line with the Test, Trace and Protect policy it published in March 2022.
Dr Joanne McClean, deputy chief medical officer, said: “We have always said we would keep the measures for Covid-19 under review, taking into account the trajectory of the virus.
“While Covid-19 is still circulating, infection levels in the community are falling and the overall impact from severe disease remains low at this time.
“Currently, the most common symptoms of Covid-19 are similar to other respiratory viruses such as influenza.
“Therefore, it is appropriate that testing is no longer one of the main tools in the fight against the virus for the majority of people.”
The Department of Health said it was important that people “monitor their symptoms and take appropriate measures to minimize contact with others”.
The department encourages anyone with a high temperature or who is unwell to go to work, stay home and minimize contact with others, especially those considered vulnerable.
Respiratory infections, including Covid-19 and influenza, can spread easily and cause serious illness in some people.
“It is important that people pay attention to their symptoms and take appropriate steps to minimize contact with others,” the department said.
“Covid-19 rates in Northern Ireland have fallen and the signs are that they are continuing to fall,” Dr McClean added.
In figures published on Friday, the Statistics and Research Agency for Northern Ireland reported 16 deaths from Covid recorded in the week to 12 August. That was three less than last week.
A total of 4,809 coronavirus-related deaths have occurred in Northern Ireland.
The latest information from the Office for National Statistics shows that in the week to 8 August 2022 around one in 50 people in Northern Ireland had Covid-19.
“This has fallen since the peak in early summer. As we move into fall, we may see infection rates rise again.
“We will monitor the situation closely and take appropriate action at that time if necessary.”
“Some people may have test kits at home and may decide to continue testing,” Dr McClean added.
“The advice for adults who test positive remains the same – stay at home and avoid contact with others for five days from the date of the positive test.
“As children tend to be less infectious than adults, the isolation period for children is three days.”
Want a quick and special update on the biggest news? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out what you need to know.