More than 100,000 lateral flow tests arrive on Island

More than 100,000 lateral flow tests have been delivered to the Island today. 

Civil Defence volunteers are assisting in the distribution of LFD packs to community pharmacies and other  pick-up points around the Island.

Members of the public who wish to collect a kit from their local pharmacy should check the list of participating businesses, and any restrictions on visiting them which may apply, via this link.

In order to allow people access to the tests they need when they need them, and to deter stockpiling, no more than one set of seven tests should be requested per person.  Local authorities are assisting in the distribution of LFDs, and the public can collect them from town halls and commissioners’ offices during normal opening hours at these locations:

Douglas Borough Council

Henry Bloom Noble Library,

Duke Street, Douglas

Peel Commissioners

Town Hall, Derby Road, Peel IM5 1RG

Castletown Commissioners

Castletown Town Hall

Farrants Way, Castletown IM9 1NR

Port Erin Commissioners

Port Erin Commissioners Office

Bridson Street

Port Erin IM9 6AN

Ramsey Commissioners

Ramsey Town Hall (and Library on Saturdays)

Ground Floor

Onchan Commissioners

Onchan District Commissioners 

Hawthorn Villa,

Main Road, Onchan, IM3 1RD

In addition, Ramsey Commissioners will offer test kits from their public library counter on Saturdays.

 Civil Defence will run collection hubs at the same four school car parks as last week between 7.30pm and 9.30pm tonight Monday 26 July and tomorrow Tuesday 27 July.

North: Ramsey Grammar School car park in front of the East Building

South: Castle Rushen High School car park

East:    Ballakermeen High School car park

West:  QE II High School car park 

The provision of LFDs allows widespread testing among the public, after the requirement for a PCR test on day nine for those who had previously tested positive was removed, and self-isolation restrictions on close contacts lifted.

The approach supports government’s mitigation strategy, where the public are encouraged to make informed decisions about what is best for their own circumstances, and for their families.

Taking a lateral flow test will be useful when planning to visit someone who is vulnerable, shielding or in poor health, and for work purposes - and reporting of results will help government monitor transmission of coronavirus in the community. It is recommended people test themselves no more than twice per week.

A short video offering simple guidance on how the home tests should be used is available to view online here.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or who returns a positive lateral flow test result should request a PCR test using the online booking request.