THE end of free lateral flow tests is approaching and we need to have a reality check.
Many organisations representing the vulnerable are worried, and many large organisations are calling for a reversal of the decision to end free testing. But those organisations really have to direct their demands to the Westminster government, who have rightly been funding the test kits for the whole of the UK.
READ MORE: Legal requirement to wear masks to be scrapped, Nicola Sturgeon announces
Funding the rollout of free test kits in Scotland is an option for the Holyrood government, however with no borrowing powers to fund such a spend, the Holyrood government’s spending is limited. Ending free LFTs is a very reckless move when we are dealing with human life and could also be a false economy, resulting in rising cases and rising hospitalisation.
The Westminster government seriously need to re-considering this move in the interest of controlling the pandemic.
Catriona C Clark
Falkirk
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