Loss of free Covid tests worries unpaid carers in Norfolk

The removal of all Covid restrictions in England brought with it an end to free lateral flow and PCR tests, except for NHS staff who care for patients and care home staff. But the decision excludes unpaid carers, some of whom say the rule is limiting their ability to get back to normal life, for fear of bringing the virus into the homes of vulnerable people.

Joy Welford from East Harling in Norfolk takes lateral flow tests each time she visits busy places like shops, to protect her husband Barry, who has many health conditions.

These include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bladder stones, an aneurysm and mobility issues.

Paid homecare staff still have access to free tests, unlike unpaid carer Mrs Welford, who does not.

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She believes they should be on an equal footing.

"Although we do have to get back to normal, we need to do it in a way that's safe," she says.

"And I'm not sure that by taking them away as quickly as this, that it really is safe.

"I don't want to be ill, because, if I am, I can't care.

"Yes there's a cost to it, but people's lives are at risk."

Her husband says the decision not to supply his family with free Covid tests leaves him feeling vulnerable.

Mr Welford has spent the past two years at home and he says catching Covid could prove "fatal" and he feels "very nervous" when he does go outside.

"Everyone wants to get back to normal, but what's normal":[]}