LATERAL flow testing is to continue to be available into next month in Northern Ireland.
The news follows an earlier decision to extend availability only until the end of July.
The announcement comes just weeks after experts said coronavirus cases in the north were on the rise. The Public Health Agency warned the virus had not gone away, adding that the rise was being driven by the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron variants.
Under current arrangements, lateral flow tests are available to members of the public with symptoms, including importantly those who may be eligible for Covid-19 treatments. Tests are also available to a small number of groups without symptoms including health and social care staff, those visiting others in health and care settings, and those providing close personal care to someone at higher risk should they contract coronavirus.
Health Minister Robin Swann said: "Whilst indications are that we are moving in the right direct with regard to the trajectory of the pandemic and that prevalence is reducing, it is vital that we keep the situation under review. Thankfully the overall risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and death for those who contract Covid-19 continues to be much lower than during previous waves.
"However, we continue to see severe pressures in our hospitals and the contribution of Covid-19, even though admission numbers are smaller than in previous waves, adds to these pressures. After careful consideration therefore I have decided to extend the current availability of lateral flow testing, including for those with symptoms, for a further short period, as a precautionary measure."
