To ask the Minister of Health (i) what advice he is giving to businesses, care homes, hospitals and other organisations about the use of lateral flow tests (LFTs) to reduce the transmission of COVID; and (ii) what steps he is taking to facilitate organisations to obtain and use LFTs.

Even if you have already been vaccinated, regular Rapid Testing is important in limiting the spread of the virus, helping to protect those who are vulnerable, as well as our health and social care system. I would encourage anyone who doesn’t already test on a regular basis, to avail of free Rapid Tests and make testing part of their routine. This is particularly important if you are coming into contact with people who may be more clinically vulnerable, including patients in hospitals or care homes.

Any organisation is currently able to register to deliver rapid testing to their workforce, contractors, volunteers and service users. All hospital and care home staff are also able to access Rapid Tests, while children and young people in education can access Rapid Tests through their school, college or university.

Anyone who is unable to access Rapid Tests through one of these schemes is able to order Rapid Tests for delivery to their home address, or collect packs from the network of community collect sites across Northern Ireland, including over 500 community pharmacies.

Further information about the availability of rapid testing in Northern Ireland can be found at www.health-ni.gov.uk/rapid-tests.