FREE rapid coronavirus tests can now be ordered online and delivered to your home as part of a drive to identify people with no symptoms.
Known as 'Lateral Flow Device' (LFD) tests, they were rolled out in March to employers across different sectors in Northern Ireland where it was not possible to work from home.
However, health minister Robin Swann yesterday confirmed that members of the public can order the kits - which are similar to pregnancy tests and deliver results in 30 minutes - either to their houses or collect them from different locations.
If someone with no symptoms tests positive using rapid kits they are being asked to self-isolate and book the gold standard PCR test "immediately" to confirm the result.
Rapid testing was extended to the north's post-primary schools earlier this month after it was initially piloted for older students.
With the emergence of the more transmissible Delta variant and easing of Covid restrictions, health minister Robin Swann said that alongside vaccination and contract tracing, "testing is one of the main pillars of protection against the virus".
The PCR tests are for people with symptoms and can be booked online. The swabs have to be processed in a laboratory and individuals who are tested receive their results within 48 hours.
Mr Swann stressed the importance of symptomatic testing.
"I would urge everyone with symptoms to get a PCR test, to co-operate and work with our contact tracing service if they receive a positive PCR test result, and to self-isolate immediately if they develop symptoms," he said.
One in three people with Covid experience no symptoms and experts say the rapid tests should be done twice a week to increase the detection rate.
"The use of LFD testing is important as an additional measure alongside the range of existing safety measures in place across workplaces and other settings. It is important to remember that, even with a negative test, people should not change their behaviours and must continue to follow all other public health and safety measures in place," Mr Swann added.
"As society reopens and the Delta variant becomes dominant, it is inevitable that case numbers will rise in Northern Ireland. However, we are not powerless and it is important we all keep following the public health advice."
Rapid test packs can be ordered free online for free delivery at https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
The Department of Health is also urging employers to get involved in workplace rapid testing testing through its NI SMART: Asymptomatic Testing Programme.
