 Some people will still be eligible for free testing In line with the Government's 'Living with Covid' plan, free universal testing has now ended for the general public in England. Some people will be eligible for free testing – see below for more info. Please note, we are expecting further guidance from the Government in the coming days. Symptomatic testing Tests for people with symptoms in high-risk settings remains important to ensure that COVID-19 is detected as quickly as possible. Therefore, free symptomatic testing will remain for: - Patients in hospital where a test is required for clinical management, discharge or to support treatment pathways.
- People who are eligible for COVID-19 treatments because they are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. (The government says it will be in touch with these eligible groups.)
- Individuals who live or work in high-risk closed settings, for example some NHS, social care and places of detention.
Asymptomatic testing During periods of high prevalence, testing for people without symptoms will help to mitigate risk. Therefore, tests will continued to be provided for: - Adult social care staff and a small number of visitors providing personal care
- Hospice staff
- Patient-facing staff in the NHS
- Some staff in prisons and other places of detention, and some refuges and shelters
Visitors to high-risk settings Government guidance says most visitors to adult social care settings, the NHS, hospices, prisons or places of detention will no longer require a test. If you do not fall into the categories listed here but you wish to test yourself for COVID-19, lateral flow tests will continue to be available to buy from pharmacies and supermarkets, including online. The full government guidance is available here. Living with Covid doesn't mean forgetting about Covid. Please continue to assess your risk and take measures to reduce the spread of the virus where necessary. This includes: - Wearing a face covering in busy, enclosed spaces
- Wash your hands regularly
- Cover coughs and sneezes - Catch it, Bin it, Kill it
- Clean around your home and workplace more often
- Keep indoor areas well ventilated
- Ensure you are fully vaccinated
- Stay at home if you feel unwell and avoid contact with vulnerable people
 The COVID-19 vaccine remains our best defence against the virus. You are less likely to fall seriously ill with COVID-19 if you are fully vaccinated. Don't forget, it is never too late to get a jab, whether it is the 1st, 2nd or booster dose. Click here to find your nearest walk-in clinic or book online here. Information and data about COVID-19 in Shropshire can now be found on our website. This will be updated weekly. | 
