Advice over changes to lateral flow test collections

Changes to lateral flow test collections from pharmacies came into force today (4).

They mean people collecting a test from a pharmacy will be asked to register for a 16-digit collect code via gov.uk/get-collect-code or 119 prior to making a collection. This will then be recorded by the pharmacy.

However, Cambridgeshire County Council is advising residents that if they do not wish to register for a code, new government guidance states pharmacists should still provide the required test kits and record it as an anonymous collection.

Councillor Richard Howitt, chair of the council’s adults and health committee, said: “Lateral flow tests are an important tool to prevent the spread of Covid and keep people safe.

“We want to encourage regular testing as you may have Covid even if you are asymptomatic. For this reason, if you have any concerns about registering for a collection we would urge to make sure you continue to pick up your lateral flow kits. While registering is being strongly urged by the Government, it is not mandatory and should not be a barrier to you receiving a test.

“You can also order tests to your home, or visit one of our many rapid testing sites. Further information can be found at: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-rapid-community-testing.”