Free covid testing for all in Scotland will probably be scrapped by the tip of April, Nicola Sturgeon has introduced.
Scots with out virus signs will now not be inspired to take two lateral circulation exams (LFTs) each week as of April 18, whereas those that do have signs will probably be anticipated to take a PCR take a look at till the tip of subsequent month.
Free entry to LFTs will finish on April 18 aside from these working in well being and social care and for individuals visiting weak people in care properties or hospitals.
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These dwelling in shut contact with individuals who take a look at optimistic may even be requested to proceed taking day by day LFTs for one week.
PCR testing websites will shut on or round April 30 and Scots who show signs will as a substitute be suggested to remain residence till they really feel higher.
Sturgeon advised MSPs her authorities's "freedom of manoeuvre right here is severely restricted by the truth that our funding is decided by UK Authorities choices taken for England".
She stated: "Now we have sought so far as we are able to to succeed in the fitting choices for Scotland," she stated.
"It is very important observe that we're aiming for a similar long run place as England on testing.
"Nevertheless, we think about that the transition ought to be longer. In England, testing for individuals with out signs led to mid February, and can achieve this on the finish of this month for these with signs.
"We intend the transition to final till the tip of April. That is so far as we are able to go inside funding constraints, however it permits us to take account of present case numbers, and higher help the shift in our administration of the virus."
She added: "For the following month - till Easter - there will probably be no change to our testing recommendation.
"For those who don’t have signs, it is best to proceed for now to make use of a lateral circulation take a look at twice weekly, day by day for seven days in case you are a detailed contact of a optimistic case, and earlier than visiting somebody who's weak.
"In case you have signs, it is best to proceed to get a PCR take a look at, both at a testing website or by publish.
"Nevertheless, following the Easter weekend - from April 18 - we are going to now not advise individuals with out signs to check twice weekly.
"Aside from well being and care settings, the recommendation to check frequently may even finish from April 18 for workplaces, and for early studying and childcare settings, mainstream and particular colleges, and universities and faculties."
Alex Cole-Hamilton, Scottish Lib Dem chief, stated: "The Scottish Authorities is in lock-step with the UK Authorities on testing, and meaning the tip of free lateral circulation exams in nearly all circumstances. They're already promoting on-line.
"1000's of individuals depend on LFTs to guard their weak family members from covid - to guard individuals who they know are immunosuppressed, individuals who spent months shielding, to present them consolation and confidence.
"We have to know what the First Minister's message to individuals who will probably be apprehensive at this new price of caring and whether or not she is going to assure that carers, NHS workers, care residence workers and guests have entry to free covid exams."
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