With the general supply of free lateral flow tests ending on 1 April, there are growing calls for the Government to continue to make Covid tests available free of charge to care home visitors.
Although people belonging to certain vulnerable groups will be exempt from any charges should they become symptomatic, the same will not apply for relatives wishing to visit family members in care homes. A full list of who will be exempt, and under what circumstances, is expected to be published before the end of March.
With a pack of four tests currently being sold by Boots for around £8, the costs for regular visitors could soon become prohibitive, potentially putting their elderly relatives at risk.
No doubt the Government’s current stance has been informed by data trends showing a decline in the numbers of care home staff testing positive for Covid. In the week ending 22 February, there were 7,134 positive test results among staff - less than half the number seen in the week ending 4 January. However, as far as care home residents were concerned, over the same period there were 1,637 positive test results, which represents only a limited reduction, suggesting that Covid infections amongst care home residents are starting to plateau.
A Government spokesperson said: “As set out in the government’s Living with Covid plan, the approach to managing Covid-19 in adult social care services will continue to evolve in the coming months. We will continue to focus on providing care for those that need it and supporting people who are most vulnerable to Covid-19.”
