Experts warn the end of free Covid tests for families visiting care homes could be 'deadly' 

Ministers’ refusal to pay for free Covid tests for relatives visiting loved ones in care homes could have ‘deadly’ consequences, charities said last night.

Downing Street confirmed this week people must pay for lateral flow tests (LFTs) from the start of April – branded a ‘tax on caring’.

The full details of who will be eligible for free tests when charges are introduced have yet to be set out, but are expected in the coming weeks.

But Boris Johnson’s official spokesman confirmed that those visiting care homes would not be included, saying: ‘This is targeted at the most vulnerable and frontline staff.’ 

Downing Street said people must pay for lateral flow tests from April, but charities warned a lack of free tests for relatives visiting care homes could have ‘deadly’ results (stock image)

The current guidance for visiting care homes states: ‘Visitors should receive a negative lateral flow test result and report it on the day of their visit, either by conducting the test at home or when they arrive at the care home.’

James White, of the Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘Free lateral flow tests are a crucial part of protecting people living in care homes, 70 per cent of whom have dementia, and it is essential their loved ones have free access to them so they can visit safely.

‘A lack of testing when people were shockingly discharged into care homes at the start of the pandemic resulted in tens of thousands of residents catching the virus and by not offering free tests to visitors the Government is in danger of repeating the same, deadly mistake.’ 

The Prime Minister announced the end of universal free lateral flow and PCR tests on Monday as part of a package ending all domestic Covid restrictions in England.

The current guidance for visiting care homes states that ‘visitors should receive a negative lateral flow test result and report it on the day of their visit’ (stock image)

LFTs are expected to cost a few pounds, but the Government’s Living with Covid plan said they would be restricted to a ‘small number of at-risk groups’. 

Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, said: ‘It is simply unjust and unfair to force people to pay hundreds of pounds a year to safely visit their loved ones.

‘It will make vulnerable people more alienated, more lonely, and act as a barrier for family and friends getting together. We must stop this tax on caring.’

Ruth Driscoll, of Marie Curie, said: ‘People with a terminal illness and their families already face major financial stress… We must ensure they can afford to get tested and stay safe when restrictions come to an end in April.’