This morning the government’s website had run out of lateral flow tests as those trying to order them were told that there is nothing available.
People were told to “try again later” or book for a test at a testing site as fully vaccinated people have been told to take lateral flow tests daily for one week, should they come into contact with an infected person.
Partygoers will be required to show a vaccine passport or a negative lateral flow test from this Wednesday when they enter large venues, also Christmas shoppers are being urged to do the same.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Monday morning that “due to exceptionally high demand, ordering lateral flow tests on gov.uk has been temporarily suspended to fulfil existing orders.”
They added, “Everyone who needs a lateral flow test can collect test kits – either at their local pharmacy, some community sites and some schools and colleges.”
Downing Street has confirmed that there will be available stocks from Tuesday and there is no short supply of the lateral flow tests.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said, “There is no shortage of those lateral flow tests.
“We have more than sufficient supply, indeed, what we have seen is because of the heightened demand today, those available to be posted out, effectively those slots have been filled already which is a significant uptick on what we’ve seen on previous days.
“We are working with the postal service and others to further increase booking slots so even more can be posted out.”
He added that more tests will be available and said, “The slots refresh daily is my understanding.”
At a visit to a vaccination site this morning, Boris Johnson said the rush on the gov.uk site showed that “people are doing the sensible thing and getting tests.”
He added, “We do have a ready supply of lateral flow tests.
“If you can’t get one online for any reason, then there are ample supplies in the shops.”
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