UK health and beauty retailer Boots is poised to introduce a new 12-minute in-store Covid-19 testing service for shoppers.
The high street pharmacy said the LumiraDx devices, which can quickly process the swab tests for same-day results, are expected to roll-out in the coming weeks to a number of stores nationwide.
The new 12-minute test – priced at £120 – is specifically for customers who are not displaying symptoms of Covid-19, in an effort to ease the pressure on government testing services.
Those that are displaying symptoms have been asked not to come into the store and to self-isolate.
Boots added that a separate pre-flight test will need to be taken for those wanting to travel abroad, as these results are required to be processed by a registered lab.
However, the retailer is expected to expand its pre-flight testing service, which is currently available at ten stores across London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow to those travelling to the UAE, to more than 50 shops nationwide – with a 48-hour turnaround.
To book a test, which will be carried out in-store, patients can fill out a form via Boots’ website.
“Boots has supported the government’s Covid-19 testing programme from the very start and offering this new in-store service is the next step in our efforts to fight against the pandemic,” said Boots’ Managing Director, Seb James.
“We hope that by offering this testing option in local community stores, Boots can help ease the pressure on the NHS and the government by providing additional access to testing and crucial reassurances for people across the UK.”
The announcement comes weeks after luxury retailer and the Queen’s pharmacist John Bell & Croyden introduced its in-store Covid-19 testing service.
The ‘Fit to Fly’ resource is specifically for customers who need evidence of a negative Covid-19 test before they travel abroad.
