Coronavirus: Update on Lateral Flow Tests and PCR tests

From today (Tuesday 14 December 2021) fully vaccinated contacts of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should take rapid Lateral Flow Tests every day for 7 days. If you test positive or develop symptoms, you need to self-isolate for 10 days.

Due to high demand nationally, residents are being asked to use up any remaining Lateral Flow Tests that they have at home before ordering online or collecting more kits.

If you don’t have any test kits, Lateral Flow Tests can be picked up at various pharmacies. LTFs are also available from various collection points across the county, where you will be issued with one box containing 7 kits.  You can find out where to find your nearest collection points at our Where to get tested in Shropshire page

As well as wearing face coverings and washing your hands regularly, Lateral Flow Tests are an important line of defence to help break the chain of transmission.

It is still possible to develop COVID-19 and spread the virus, even if you are fully vaccinated.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result should stay at home and self-isolate immediately. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should arrange to take a PCR test as soon as possible, even if you’ve had one or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said:-

“If you do not have any symptoms and are feeling well, or before you enter a high-risk setting, please take a Lateral Flow Test. If you have any symptoms, no matter how mild, you should self-isolate and get a PCR test.

“It is important to break the chain of transmission as quickly as possible, which is the aim of the additional testing. The quickest way of doing this is for individuals who test positive to self-isolate immediately.

“The vaccine still remains our best defence against COVID-19. Whether it’s the first or second dose, and particularly the booster if you are eligible.

“If you have not yet had a vaccine or have delayed getting the second dose of a vaccine or your booster jab, then please book online or attend one of the county’s walk-in clinics. People who are double jabbed are significantly less likely to get seriously ill if they develop COVID-19.”

England is moving to Plan B in response to the risks of the Omicron variant.

• Wear a face covering in most indoor public places and on public transport
• Get tested and self-isolate if required
• Work from home, if you can
• Get vaccinated
• Let fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer. 

Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread

Further information

For the latest information on COVID-19 visit Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)