LloydsPharmacy has started providing lateral flow tests to customers from 272 branches across Scotland and Wales.

The multiple said the tests, which deliver results in 30 minutes and are free, is part of its Pharmacy Collect service which has already been rolled out in England. The service now gives customers access to tests from 1,296 of its 1,400 branches across the UK. 

LloydsPharmacy said the tests can be taken at home and are being provided in 191 stores in Scotland and 81 in Wales.

“We’re really pleased to be continuing our work with the NHS to offer local communities in Scotland and Wales access to lateral flow tests. One in three people with coronavirus don’t have symptoms but can still pass the virus on which is why regular testing is key to us stopping the spread of the virus and breaking the chain of transmission,” said Anna Ruthven, head of services at McKesson UK, the parent company of LloydsPharmacy.

“With new variants emerging, it’s essential we continue to do all that we can to contribute to the nationwide fight against Covid-19. We hope that by now offering this service to people in Scotland and Wales we can help play an important part in widening access and expanding capacity, providing both protection and reassurance to our customers and patients.”