National changes to COVID-19 self-isolation and testing come into effect in Powys

As we all prepare to live alongside COVID-19, the way we get tested for the virus is changing. These changes are designed to help life continue while still protecting the vulnerable.

In line with Welsh Government national policy, PCR home test kits will no longer be available to the general public from 28 March, and the last day that members of the public can book an in-person PCR test is 30 March.

Members of the public who have symptoms can order a lateral flow test (LFT) online at www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests or call 119. Tests will no longer available to collect in places like pharmacies.

As part of these national changes the testing unit in Talgarth has already closed, and the testing facilities operated by the UK Health Security Agency in Brecon, Knighton, Llandrindod Wells, Machynlleth, Newtown and Ystradgynlais will close at the end of the month.

Catherine Watts, Test Trace Protect Service Manager and Clinical Lead at Powys Teaching Health Board said: “PCR testing for the general public is ending in Wales, but it will continue to be available for people who are clinically vulnerable, scheduled for NHS treatment, or who work in health & social care and special schools. The health board will therefore continue to operate our local Community Testing Units in Welshpool and at the Builth Wells showground for these groups.

“While the legal requirement to self-isolate ends from Monday 28 March, we would encourage anyone in the county with a positive test to continue to self-isolate for at least 5 days and take tests from day 5 to check they are negative before leaving isolation. This will help protect the most vulnerable and reduce the spread of the virus.

“I would also ask that those who do complete a test to continue to report all results. Whether it’s positive, negative or void, we need to be aware of cases to help protect others.”

The Welsh Government has also confirmed that the offer of £500 financial support for those that self-isolate will continue until the end of June. This is available for some to help with loss of earnings.

Unvaccinated close contacts will no longer be required or advised to self-isolate.

More information is available below. 

Released: 31/03/2022

Coronavirus testing for the general public

• PCR tests are no longer available to the public.
• You can order a lateral flow test if any of the following apply:
  • you have symptoms of COVID-19
  • your GP or healthcare professional asks you to take a test
  • you have COVID-19 and want to check if your test result is still positive after day 5
  • a doctor or specialist has said you're eligible for new COVID-19 treatments
  • you are going to visit someone eligible for new COVID-19 treatments
• If so, order a lateral flow test online or call 119. They are no longer available to collect in places like pharmacies & libraries, and they are no longer available from the NHS if you do NOT have symptoms.
• If you test positive, you should still self-isolate for at least 5 days. Take tests from day 5 to check you’re negative before leaving isolation.
• Report all test results. Whether it’s positive, negative or void, we need to be aware of cases to help protect others.
• Some people are eligible for financial support to help with loss of earnings if they self-isolate. This is available until the end of June. More information is available from the Welsh Government website
• Unvaccinated close contacts are no longer required or advised to self-isolate.
• Find out more about coronavirus testing in Wales from the Welsh Government website

Coronavirus testing for people working in frontline health & social care and special schools

• PCR tests are available for health, social care and special school staff if you have symptoms, or if you are a household contact of someone with COVID-19.
• Health and social care staff and special school staff can call the Powys Testing Hub to arrange an appointment in our Community Testing Units in Builth Wells and Welshpool:
  • Call the Powys Testing Hub on 01874 442515 (0930-1630 Mon-Fri, 1000-1500 Sat-Sun)
  • Email the Powys Testing Hub at Powys.testing@wales.nhs.uk
• Please note that PCR testing is no longer available for the general public.
• Find out more about coronavirus testing for health and social care workers in Wales from the Welsh Government website

Coronavirus testing for people eligible for COVID-19 treatments

• Some people are currently eligible to receive the range of new treatment options within the community. These will be made available to NHS patients at greater risk from COVID-19. These treatments are a further measure in addition to vaccinations. Vaccinations remain of greatest importance to protect those most vulnerable in the UK.
• People who are eligible for COVID-19 treatments are able to order PCR tests to be done at home.
• More information about COVID-19 treatments and how to order PCR test kits is available from the Welsh Government website