The British government is ending the supply of free rapid coronavirus tests to most of the population even though Covid-19 infections remain at record levels, and health officials warn the pandemic could still have nasty surprises in store, reports AP.
From Friday, most people in England will have to buy lateral flow tests from pharmacies or online suppliers.
Tests will remain free for staff in high-risk settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and prisons, but under the government's 'Living with Covid' plan, most other people in England will now have to pay.
Some free testing will continue for several weeks in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
