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Original poster

Covid tests not available

26 replies

AuntDympna · 29/03/2022 07:07

Got Covid, as did DD. Need two neg lateral flow tests to go back to work. DD same for school. Running out of tests. Tried to order some - the website says none are being delivered to our area, and we must go to a pharmacy. Had someone go to the pharmacy for us. Boots said they "don't do them any more", Lloyds said they don't have any.
What's happening? Is this everywhere?
I'm in South East England.

OP posts:
Dumpydump · 29/03/2022 07:08

I'm in the exact same predicament 😢 also south east

girlmom21 · 29/03/2022 07:10

Work and school will have to start providing them if they're insisting on them before you can go back.

They're not going to send anymore once stock runs out now because the free tests end on Friday.

Vegansausageroll · 29/03/2022 07:10

I’ve not been able to offer any for 3 weeks!

Partyatnumber10 · 29/03/2022 07:13

I suppose if work insist on you staying off until you do a negative lateral flow, you've tried your hardest and there are none. Then you sit tight at home until they drop the requirement or provide a couple of tests. Our HT has just bought several boxes from Boots for just this reason.

Personally, if I get Covid I'll wait 5 days then return to work as soon as I feel well enough. That seems sensible.

BrokenNHS · 29/03/2022 07:14

Contact your DD’s school and ask if they have any for her (and you) to use.

If it’s anything like our school they will have thousands…

BarbaraofSeville · 29/03/2022 07:15

I picked up 4 packs in two separate pharmacies on Saturday.

They didn't even ask for the codes or how many packs I wanted, they just handed 2 packs over in each place.

These were both part of the Well chain in northern England.

SockQueen · 29/03/2022 07:16

Try online around 8pm - I had this problem last week and it seems they release new batches around that time.

rubyslippers · 29/03/2022 07:17

It’s a real challenge
Keep trying online
Unfortunately buying them may be your only option - Superdrug and boost are selling packs and plenty of companies on line as well
Ridiculous really

Dumpydump · 29/03/2022 07:17

I've just managed to order some online!

ENoeuf · 29/03/2022 07:29

I wonder how much is people stocking up.

Original poster
AuntDympna · 29/03/2022 07:30

Thanks for the tips. I will try school/work first. If no good I will try online at 8pm.

OP posts:
MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 29/03/2022 07:53

Try early first thing , I managed to order some at 7am after a week of not being able to.

Tigerblue · 29/03/2022 07:59

Our Boots are doing them but out of stock.

DD is living abroad at the moment. They've had to buy their own tests for a long time and they're like gold dust. Apparently many want to readily use them and will pay, just can't get hold of.

If work and school want tests, they'll have to start providing them. My workplace have them, but it's a large box and you have to enter building to use one!

FallenMadonnawiththeBadBoobies · 29/03/2022 08:01

I’ve had the same problem - also in the south east.

It us a particular problem for our family as my dad is in a nursing home in an end of life situation. Two of us visit him every day and we need to produce negative tests every day. I agree with this rule but no-one seems to have considered the financial impact on people in our situation.

Vapeyvapevape · 29/03/2022 08:04

I've just tried to order some with no luck, SE here too.

Vinorosso74 · 29/03/2022 08:04

I ordered some this morning. Keep trying at various times throughout the day online.
Smaller independent pharmacies have always had more stocks of the tests than Boots etc

enterparentone · 29/03/2022 08:06

If you're on Twitter, follow/get notifications from @lftstock They post when they are available

Clawdy · 29/03/2022 08:10

I kept trying at different times of day and did get lucky eventually, this week. Although when they arrived yesterday, they were the earlier tests with long swabs for both throat and nose!

Theregoesmyhomebirth · 29/03/2022 08:12

We need DH to have a LFT before he's allowed to attend the birth of our children. Can't get tests for love nor money. Really hoping the hospital are considering this.

underneaththeash · 29/03/2022 08:17

The libraries sometimes have a stock. I’d give them a call.

Billandben444 · 29/03/2022 08:21

Stocks are dwindling as they won't be free any more after Friday. If people's work insists on one why should the government (us basically) have to pay for it as we're in enough debt as it is. Tell work you can't get any so could they please post you some/get their fingers out and accept responsibility and tell them we're not meant to be constantly testing - if you're ill stay at home, if you're better go to work. Perhaps some work places didn't get the memo.

WorryMcGee · 29/03/2022 08:27

I’m also worrying about this as my husband is still being asked to show one for maternity appointments. Haven’t been able to get any for days now. Thanks to earlier posters for suggesting trying at 8pm, I’ll give that a go. First thing didn’t work!

comfortablyfrumpy · 29/03/2022 08:30

Not been able to get any for weeks (online or at chenist). South East here too.

girlmom21 · 29/03/2022 08:40

@Theregoesmyhomebirth

We need DH to have a LFT before he's allowed to attend the birth of our children. Can't get tests for love nor money. Really hoping the hospital are considering this.
They never checked ours
Clawdy · 14/04/2022 21:56

Thanks Sandra will check that out.

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