PCR tests are used to determine if someone has Covid-19 or not, just like a lateral flow but is more advanced as lateral flows are known for only being 90% right, however, everything has now changed!
If someone tests positive for Covid-19 via a lateral flow, they no longer need to do a PCR test. This is now enforced and this will now save a lot more PCR tests.
Not only this, it is said that if someone has no symptoms of Covid-19, they will no longer be given a PCR test, they are only allowed a PCR if they have symptoms of Covid-19.
This is happening due to the number of PCR tests taken during Christmas, with numbers reaching as high as 600,000 tests sent. This caused a shortage in the system and barely anyone was able to get their hands on a PCR test, same with the lateral flow tests!
Due to this, it has all changed so that PCR tests are more accessible and for those who need them. With this in mind, this means that if someone tests positive for Covid via a lateral flow, they must isolate.
