Community Pharmacy West Yorkshire (CPWY) is working with NHS England and the Department of Health on piloting the distribution of Covid-19 test kits through community pharmacies in the Bradford area. The pilot aims to improve local access to testing by making test kits readily available at community pharmacies across an identified area.

Details of the pilot and how long it will last are still being worked on, said PSNC’s director of NHS services, Alastair Buxton. "The Department of Health and NHS Test and Trace recognise that community pharmacies could increase the penetration of testing in their local communities."

The opt-in service will make Covid-19 swab (PCR) tests available for collection by non-symptomatic people from outside the household on behalf of those patients that are experiencing symptoms and self-isolating, says PSNC.