AN MP is calling for better access to rapid Covid testing and for it to be accessible online.

Today (April 16), people who can’t work from home and their households can collect tests from the following local testing sites: Bangor, Dean Street Car Park; Rhyl, Quay Street Carpark; Wrexham, Memorial Hall or Connah’s Quay, Civic Hall.

Dr James Davies, Vale of Clwyd MP, has welcomed the new availability of routine asymptomatic testing in Wales but is also calling for it to be made available to those who don’t work.

He is also concerned the kits will only be available at three collection points across North Wales.

“It is great news that these tests are being made available, albeit slightly later than in England," he said.

"The need for them is something I raised in my most recent meeting with the health board.

“I am concerned however that they are only going to be available to people who cannot work from home. Those not working, whether because they are on Universal Credit or are retired, are not eligible.

“I raised this with the health board and was told they are taking direction from the Welsh Government.

“They also informed me that the Welsh Government are looking at other collection venues to be made available, and for direct delivery to people’s homes. I really hope this is the case as three collection points across the whole of North Wales is simply not enough.

“Lateral Flow Tests are valuable in ensuring that we continue to suppress the number of Covid cases, and can therefore ensure that further lockdown restrictions will never be needed again," he added.

"It is therefore important that they are convenient and accessible to all who want them.

“Many working people will not find it easy to pick up tests under the current arrangements and I believe there should be the option for people to order them online on the gov.uk portal, as in England."

The testing kits, for people who are not displaying symptoms of the virus, are easy to use and can give results in 30 minutes.

It is hoped that improving their availability will make regular asymptomatic testing for coronavirus more convenient and accessible for people not covered under existing schemes at workplaces, childcare settings, schools, colleges and universities.

A spokesperson from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUB) said: "As many as one in three people may have Covid-19 without displaying symptoms which means asymptomatic testing is an important means to keep people safe as restrictions are gradually eased.

"It’s important that even those who’ve had the vaccine take use the tests twice a week as they could still carry the virus and pass it on to others."

People can collect the rapid tests from above sites seven days a week between 8am and 1pm. No appointment is needed.

Sites will close for a deep clean and re-open for symptomatic PCR testing between 2pm and 8pm each day.

The tests need to be used from home. See full details and watch a video at bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/lateral-flow-self-test-kits