Where to get hold of Covid tests in Northern Ireland as 'dominant' new variant XEC spreads

A Covid-19 Lateral Flow (LFT) self-test kit, containing a SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test
-Credit: (Image: Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images)


Health experts have issued a warning about the latest emerging Covid-19 variant, XEC, which is spreading across Europe.

XEC was first identified in Germany with cases in Denmark, US and UK rapidly spreading as around 15 countries have also identified cases of it. Symptoms of Covid XEC include tiredness, aches, a cough or a sore throat or a high temperature.

Experts say the strain is now 'taking charge' and is likely to spread across the globe. They added that this variant has some new mutations which may increase its spread during autumn.

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Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, Doctor Eric Topol, has warned that Covid XEC is 'just getting started and could become the dominant variant as it's already 'taking charge'.

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Dr Topol said: "It's going to take many weeks, a couple of months, before it really takes hold and starts to cause a wave".

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), viruses are prone to mutations and changes, the Express reports. UKHSA's recent Covid data revealed a 4.3% spike in cases but saw a decline in the number of deaths from Covid.

UKHSA Deputy Director, Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam said: "UKHSA continues to monitor all available information relating to emerging Covid variants in the UK and internationally, and to publish our data regularly. Vaccination provides the best protection against serious illness from Covid-19, and we urge those who are contacted by the NHS to come forward to receive their autumn vaccine."

Experts recommend to also avoid close contact with people showing Covid symptoms and to practice regular hand hygiene. The Covid vaccines have been updated to match new variants however not with XEC which emerged from Omicron subvariants.

Members of the public have been urged to start buying test kits to ensure they're Covid free with these tests being both affordable and easily accessible.

Free rapid lateral flow tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests have been discontinued by the NHS after most people received their vaccinations. Since then, the NHS stopped being the go-to source for dispensing these tests as pharmacists took their place. Instead you can now buy rapid lateral flow tests from some pharmacies and retailers, in person or online.

Here's the latest on who is eligible for Covid-19 tests, how to access tests and what to do if your result is positive, according to NI Direct:

Testing for Covid-19

If you develop symptoms, you should follow guidance for people with symptoms of respiratory infections including COVID-19.

Most people do not need to do a Covid-19 rapid lateral flow test if you have symptoms.

Covid-19 testing is only recommended if you have a health condition which means you’re eligible for COVID-19 treatment and to support clinical care.

Only those groups are eligible for free tests.

How to get lateral flow tests

You may be able to get a free test from a pharmacy if you are eligible for Covid-19 treatments. Free lateral flow tests are not available to order online or by phone.

If you have symptoms of Covid-19, you should not collect tests from a pharmacy yourself. You should ask someone who does not have symptoms to collect the lateral flow tests on your behalf.

If you want to get tested but are not eligible for free rapid lateral flow tests, you need to pay for the test yourself.

You can buy rapid lateral flow tests from some pharmacies and retailers, in person or online.

If you work in health and social care

If you work in health and social care, you may still be able to get free lateral flow tests from your employer if you are eligible for COVID-19 treatments.

Reporting your lateral flow test results

If you have one of the conditions that puts you at the very highest risk of illness should you catch COVID-19, you need to report the result if it is positive, to be assessed for a Covid-19 treatment.

You should report your positive Covid-19 rapid lateral flow test result at:

You need to report your positive result and include your postcode and a phone number, to be assessed for a Covid-19 treatment.

If you are not able to report your test result online

If you cannot use the online service to report a test result, contact your GP or GP Out of Hours who can contact your Trust on your behalf.

Void result

If the test result is void, this means that the test has not run correctly. If you are eligible, you should take another lateral flow test. Do not reuse anything from the first test.

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