Changes to Covid testing rules to ease demand for PCR tests

Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 using a lateral flow test, without showing symptoms of the virus, will no longer need to confirm their result with a PCR test.

The announcement has been made by Wales’ Health Minister, Eluned Morgan after discussions with the other UK nations.

Meanwhile, unvaccinated people who come in contact with a positive Covid case and are self-isolating will be able to take lateral flow tests on the second and eighth day instead of PCR tests.

It comes as the Omicron variant continues to spread, increasing the demand for testing.

Mrs Morgan said she agreed to the changes to “help reduce pressure and help increase access for those who have symptoms and need to book a test”.

She added: “Since Christmas Day, daily bookings at tests sites across Wales have reached up to 28,000 – a record high.”

Mrs Morgan said is estimated the changes will reduce demand for PCR tests by between 5% and 15%.

“As the prevalence of coronavirus is above 1%, the risk of false positives from lateral flow devices decreases,” she said.

“This means there is less value in having a follow-up PCR test to confirm the result. At higher prevalence levels, data suggests that lateral flow tests and PCRs have a similar positive predictive value.”

Mrs Morgan urged people to report the results of every lateral flow test they take online or by calling 119 and to self-isolate as soon as they test positive.

In a statement, Mrs Morgan acknowledged the changes could see an increase in demand for lateral flow tests – but said there are no current issues with supply issues.