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22/08/2022
Clarification Needed On End Of Free Lateral Flow Testing
The Alliance Party has called for clarification on the end of free lateral flow tests respite and day care providers.
has said.
Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong was speaking after it was announced the move will take place from today, Monday 22 August. Health service staff and people eligible for new Covid treatments will still have access to the free tests. However, as many day centres and respite care facilities still require a lateral flow test, it puts into question how the move will affect day care provision.
"It is welcome that the rate of Covid in Northern Ireland has fallen since its peak earlier in the summer. However, clarification is needed from health Trusts on how the move to end free lateral flow tests will affect respite and day care provision," said Ms Armstrong, the Chair of the Assembly All-Party Group (APG) on learning disability.
"Proactive action needs to be taken to ensure respite services and day care services are reinstated to pre-pandemic levels. It is unfair these were the first services removed and are the last to be reinstated as we move out of this crisis.
"It is having a negative impact on both the mental and physical health of both carers and the people they look after. The APG on learning disability is seeking clarification from the Department of Health to seek assurances these services will be resumed as soon as possible."
has said.
Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong was speaking after it was announced the move will take place from today, Monday 22 August. Health service staff and people eligible for new Covid treatments will still have access to the free tests. However, as many day centres and respite care facilities still require a lateral flow test, it puts into question how the move will affect day care provision.
"It is welcome that the rate of Covid in Northern Ireland has fallen since its peak earlier in the summer. However, clarification is needed from health Trusts on how the move to end free lateral flow tests will affect respite and day care provision," said Ms Armstrong, the Chair of the Assembly All-Party Group (APG) on learning disability.
"Proactive action needs to be taken to ensure respite services and day care services are reinstated to pre-pandemic levels. It is unfair these were the first services removed and are the last to be reinstated as we move out of this crisis.
"It is having a negative impact on both the mental and physical health of both carers and the people they look after. The APG on learning disability is seeking clarification from the Department of Health to seek assurances these services will be resumed as soon as possible."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
