Saturday
27
April
Testing centre closes as rules change
01/04/2022 @ 03:42
The national Covid testing centre in Newtown has closed.
It comes as changes are made to national policy, with PCR home tests no longer available.
"As we all prepare to live alongside COVID-19, the way we get tested for the virus is changing. These changes are designed to help life continue while still protecting the vulnerable," said a statement from Powys Teaching Health Board.
In line with Welsh Government national policy, PCR home test kitsare will no longer be available to the general public and the last day that members of the public can book an in-person PCR test was Wednesday.
Members of the public who have symptoms can order a lateral flow test (LFT) online at www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests or call 119. Tests will no longer available to collect in places like pharmacies.
Catherine Watts, Test Trace Protect Service Manager and Clinical Lead at Powys Teaching Health Board said: “PCR testing for the general public is ending in Wales, but it will continue to be available for people who are clinically vulnerable, scheduled for NHS treatment, or who work in health & social care and special schools.
"The health board will therefore continue to operate our local Community Testing Units in Welshpool and at the Builth Wells showground for these groups.
“While the legal requirement to self-isolate ends from Monday 28 March, we would encourage anyone in the county with a positive test to continue to self-isolate for at least 5 days and take tests from day 5 to check they are negative before leaving isolation. This will help protect the most vulnerable and reduce the spread of the virus.
“I would also ask that those who do complete a test to continue to report all results. Whether it’s positive, negative or void, we need to be aware of cases to help protect others.”
The Welsh Government has also confirmed that the offer of £500 financial support for those that self-isolate will continue until the end of June. This is available for some to help with loss of earnings.
Unvaccinated close contacts will no longer be required or advised to self-isolate.
It comes as changes are made to national policy, with PCR home tests no longer available."As we all prepare to live alongside COVID-19, the way we get tested for the virus is changing. These changes are designed to help life continue while still protecting the vulnerable," said a statement from Powys Teaching Health Board.
In line with Welsh Government national policy, PCR home test kitsare will no longer be available to the general public and the last day that members of the public can book an in-person PCR test was Wednesday.
Members of the public who have symptoms can order a lateral flow test (LFT) online at www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests or call 119. Tests will no longer available to collect in places like pharmacies.
Catherine Watts, Test Trace Protect Service Manager and Clinical Lead at Powys Teaching Health Board said: “PCR testing for the general public is ending in Wales, but it will continue to be available for people who are clinically vulnerable, scheduled for NHS treatment, or who work in health & social care and special schools.
"The health board will therefore continue to operate our local Community Testing Units in Welshpool and at the Builth Wells showground for these groups.
“While the legal requirement to self-isolate ends from Monday 28 March, we would encourage anyone in the county with a positive test to continue to self-isolate for at least 5 days and take tests from day 5 to check they are negative before leaving isolation. This will help protect the most vulnerable and reduce the spread of the virus.
“I would also ask that those who do complete a test to continue to report all results. Whether it’s positive, negative or void, we need to be aware of cases to help protect others.”
The Welsh Government has also confirmed that the offer of £500 financial support for those that self-isolate will continue until the end of June. This is available for some to help with loss of earnings.
Unvaccinated close contacts will no longer be required or advised to self-isolate.
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