The Government has announced changes to COVID-19 testing that will come into effect from 1 April 2024.
Testing individuals before they are discharged into care home will no longer be required. Instead this decision will be made by the local UK Health Security Agency Health Protection Team or other local partner. And the 119 phone number, for testing queries, will also close. In it’s a place a redirect message will be available, advising callers of alternative contact information. Further information about the changes can be found here.
It was confirmed that people aged 75 years and older, residents in care homes for older people, and those aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system will be offered a dose of COVID-19 vaccine this spring.
The announcement was made by Maria Caulfield MP, the Minister for Mental Health and Women’s Health Strategy, her full statement can be accessed here.
