Test, Trace, Protect – what you need to know

Updated 6 February 2024

What to do if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection

The guidance includes information and advice on:

Symptoms of respiratory infections
What to do if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection
What to do if you have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19
Children and young people aged 18 and under who have symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19
What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
What to do if you are a close contact of someone who has had a positive test result for COVID-19
NHS COVID-19 app
Employment and staying at home
Financial support if you cannot work

How people eligible for COVID-19 anti-viral treatments can get a supply of lateral flow tests (LFTs)

People eligible for COVID-19 anti-viral treatments can now access lateral flow tests (LFTs) from a new pharmacy collection service introduced across Wales.

Patients who are at greater risk from COVID-19 and are eligible for COVID-19 anti-viral treatments should keep a supply of LFTs at home. Click here for information and advice about COVID-19 treatments (opens in new tab).

The test kits can be obtained from local community pharmacies offering this service across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

Find a pharmacy near you that supplies NHS lateral flow tests (opens in new tab)

This change recently came into effect by Welsh Government, replacing the previous arrangements for ordering LFTs via the online (gov.uk) portal and NHS 119, which closed on 31 January 2024.

Anyone who is unsure if they are eligible are advised to speak to their doctor or hospital specialist for advice. If eligible, tests can be collected from a community pharmacy. Separate arrangements are in place for care home residents.

Patients should be aware that when collecting a supply of tests from the pharmacy, they may be asked about their medical history to confirm eligibility. If patients have a copy of a letter or email from the NHS stating that they are eligible for COVID-19 treatment, they should take this with them to help the pharmacy confirm the person is eligible for free tests more easily. Someone else can collect tests on a patient’s behalf, for example, a friend, relative or carer, and they will also need to share details with the pharmacy to confirm eligibility, including the patient’s:

full name
address
date of birth
NHS number (if available)
medical condition(s)

Eligible patients (or their representatives) can be given one or two packs of 7 LFTs per supply. Most patients will continue to receive one pack per supply via the pharmacy service, though an additional pack can be supplied where there is a particular need.

Further help or support with these new arrangements are available via the Health Board by emailing ask.hdd@wales.nhs.uk or calling 0300 303 8322.

Vaccinations remain of greatest importance to protect those most vulnerable. For more information visit: COVID-19 Vaccination Programme - Hywel Dda University Health Board (nhs.wales) (opens in new tab).