An End to Universal Free Testing

An eligibility criteria will be introduced to continue to receive free Lateral flow tests (LFTs) from Monday.

Anyone who is not eligible for free tests will be able to purchase them from pharmacies. 

As well as this change, Manx Care has announced it will stop delivering Covid-19 PCR testing with effect from August 31.

Travel-related PCR testing may be available through a private business on the island, or can be booked through most major UK airports. Manx Care will continue to offer some PCR testing on-island for specific reasons, which are in the event that someone requires this ahead of being admitted to a tertiary centre in the UK for planned hospital treatment, or for some individuals who are actively receiving Rheumatology treatment as part of their care pathway. 

While most will have to pay for LFTs, free tests will be made available to health and social care staff, patients attending hospital for a procedure or those who are considered very high risk of serious illness from Covid-19 infection.  

From the same date any visitors to health and social care settings as well as the prison will no longer be required to take an LFT before attending. This includes patients attending day clinics, visitors to Noble’s Hospital and visitors to residential or care homes operated by Manx Care. 

The gov says it has issued over 3.7 million free LFTs since the start of the pandemic, totalling over £8 million with associated costs.