A Word Of Caution About The Supply Of Lateral Flow Tests, Which Is Sporadic.
Following changes to self-isolation guidelines, pharmacists are warning of sporadic supply of quick Covid tests.
They said that demand for lateral flow tests soared after regulations in England permitted persons with Covid to be released after seven days if they tested negative.
Staff and consumers were stressed, according to the Association Of Independent Multiple Pharmacies.
Test availability is refreshed throughout the day, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
"There may be temporary interruptions in ordering or getting tests during moments of unusual demand to ensure we manage distribution across the system," it added.
Labour said the situation was a "complete disaster" and that the government should commission tests to assist those "trying to do the right thing."
According to the UKHSA, Omicron cases currently account for more than 90% of all community COVID19 cases in England.
The latest daily case figure is a new high of 117,093, however patient numbers in the United Kingdom are still lower than in January.
Even when the latency between infection and hospital care is taken into account, the surge in infections caused by Omicron has not resulted in a similar dramatic increase in hospital admissions.
Due to incomplete data from the United Kingdom's nations, a complete national picture will not be available until the first week of January.
The availability of quick lateral flow has been a source of concern. After various adjustments to self-isolation guidelines, Covid tests were conducted.
Those who test positive for Covid in England can now leave after seven days if their lateral flow devices test negative on days six and seven.
Close contacts of positive individuals who have been fully vaccinated, even those in the same household, can go about their regular lives as usual with a daily negative lateral flow test.
Since the revisions, Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association Of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that lateral flow tests have been in great demand.
"Every five minutes or so, someone comes into the pharmacy and requests testing," she explained.
"However, due to supply challenges that are spotty and irregular, individuals who come forward for the test do not always receive it, which is very stressful not just for the pharmacist but also for the patients."
Having an online collection code for lateral flow tests does not guarantee they will be in stock at a chemist, according to Thorrun Govind, chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in England.
She also asked the public not to be upset with pharmacy employees and pleaded for patience in the face of growing demand.