Free tests are no longer available for most in England. What are the risks and reasons for the move?
Since the start of the pandemic, nearly 500 million tests have been logged - and no doubt millions more taken at home and never recorded.But now it is coming to an end in England. Friday marks the dismantling of almost the entire testing infrastructure. The rest of the UK will follow later in the spring and summer.
And certainly the number of deaths being caused this winter has been in line with what would be expected during a bad flu season.But the move naturally raises concerns. Even the government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, has warnedAnd while the government is providing extra protection to the 1.
But that only tells part of the story. Most of them were admitted for something else but just happen to have the virus. To put it into context, it is similar to what is budgeted for GP care, four times what is spent on healthy lifestyle programmes to tackle things such as obesity and smoking or enough to tackle the backlog in hospital operations.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
COVID.gov - Free at-home COVID-19 testsEvery home in the U.S. is eligible to order two sets of four free at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests. If you have already ordered your first set, order a second today at
Read more »
Covid: Last day of free tests in England fuels concernFrom Friday, most people in England will have to pay if they want to check if they have Covid.
Read more »
COVID.gov - Find COVID-19 guidance for your communityThe Biden administration is set to launch a website offering information aimed at helping Americans adapt to living with Covid-19 risks
Read more »
Covid-19: Five Covid-related deaths and 1,414 casesThe total number of deaths linked to Covid-19 in NI since the start of the pandemic is 3,320.
Read more »
Covid-19: Three Covid-related deaths and 1,461 casesThe total number of deaths linked to Covid-19 in NI since the start of the pandemic is 3,323.
Read more »
CA sends 14 million free COVID tests to schools to help prevent post-spring break outbreaksCalifornia's 7 million students and school employees will receive free at-home COVID tests ahead of their return from spring break.
Read more »