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30
Dec 2021
Last Updated: 30/12/2021
Can you get a lateral flow test kit in the Harrogate district?
With reports of lateral flow test kits running out across the country, our reporter travelled across Ripon to see whether it was possible to get hold of one.
Covid rapid lateral flow test kits are in short supply in Ripon, with pharmacies currently out of stock and awaiting deliveries.
Supplies of lateral flow tests are patchy at best in most of the country. Our reporter visited pharmacies across Ripon to find out what the situation is like on the ground locally.
Being unable to take tests poses problems for people requiring a negative result to be able go to work. People have also been urged to check they are negative before attending busy New Year's Eve events.
Day Lewis Pharmacy, which has shops on North Street (pictured below) and Westgate, ran out of kits yesterday, but was hoping to receive a delivery later today.
The free kits are available on a first-come-first-served basis, but those wanting them have to provide a code, which they obtain online.
Boots, which is based in Market Place West, has a sign on its door which reads:
"Due to a surge in demand, unfortunately lateral flow tests are temporarily unavailable."
And across the city at the Morrisons supermarket pharmacy, a supply of tests kits received yesterday was soon gone and no further delivery was expected today.
A member of staff at the pharmacy said:
"They went almost as quickly as they arrived. We are hoping that more of the test kits come in tomorrow."
Lucy Kitching, who works for NHS England, had a frustrating evening trying to order test kits online via the government website, which states:
"Picking up rapid lateral flow tests from a local pharmacy or collection point is the quickest way to get them for most people."
Ms Kitching told the Stray Ferret:
"As a member of my family caught covid, I need to take lateral flow tests, as well as a PCR test, before I can go back to work.
"I spent a lot of time on the website, which eventually crashed and as I was unable to order a test kit online I decided to try the Boots in Ripon, but discovered that they don't have any currently available.
"Fortunately, I have friends that can let me have some, so I will just have to rely on them."
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