How do you order lateral flow tests?
The Scottish Government's making lateral flow testing kits available to anyone in Scotland today - but how do you get them?
Last updated 26th Apr 2021
The Scottish Government's making lateral flow testing kits available to anyone in Scotland today.
The rapid coronavirus test provide results in around 30 minutes and are thought to be around 83% accurate.
They are now available for free to anyone, regardless of whether or not they are showing symptoms of Covid-19.
How do I get a home testing kit?
They will be available to pick up without an appointment from local walk-in or drive-through test sites from 3.30pm each day.
These kits can also be ordered online or by phone for people to test themselves twice-weekly.
Island Communities
The Scottish Government is strongly advising anyone who plans to travel to the islands for any reason takes two lateral flow tests before the travel.
This is so that all of Scotland can move through the levels together.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said in a statement: "We are keeping island communities at the same level as the rest of the country at the moment, so that we can allow travel between island communities and the rest of Scotland.
"But we know this does create a risk for our island communities. Many of them currently have very, very low rates of Covid. And they will be welcoming visitors from parts of Scotland which I know many of them are looking forward to where Covid will still be circulating at a higher level and more widely.
"So If you are planning to travel to an island we do encourage you to take two lateral flow tests before you depart.
"The second test should be on the day that you are planning to travel, and the first should be three days before you travel.
"That means that if you test positive, you have a chance to take a PCR test - which is more sensitive - to confirm the result before making a final decision on cancelling your visit.
"This is potentially an important way in which we can minimise the risk, of bringing Covid into island communities while nevertheless allowing our island communities the benefit of opening up again to visitors. So if you are planning on travelling to an island over the course of next week, it is possible to get tests from today, and I would encourage you to do that."