Boots offering new 12-minute COVID test as second wave hits UK

The pharmacy chain Boots has introduced a 12-minute coronavirus test after a new testing technology was approved by European and US regulators.

The test will cost customers £120 and is currently available in 10 stores across the country, which will be expanded to 50 within the next two weeks. The new test will be available to people who aren’t showing symptoms of the virus. Anyone with symptoms should use the NHS test and trace system.

After going through vigorous trials the test saw a 97% accuracy rate when detecting COVID-19, which it does through identifying the virus’ antigen protein. The technology has an edge over other speedy tests, which see a longer 90-minute turnaround.

The main purpose of the quick test will be for those who require a test before travelling abroad and for those who wish the peace of mind before visiting families or friends. If there is significant demand for the tests, Boots will make them available to 200 of their stores over the coming months. The significant price of the test is also likely to drop if demand is high.

The news comes after Boris Johnson announced operation moonshot, an ambitious plan which would see millions of Brits tested daily by Spring of next year to allow Britain to get back to normal life. However, the government has come under fire for its current testing programme which is only seeing 15% of people see test results after 24 hours.

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[paulkerry]

they think everyone can afford it yet may be false reading

[MsZoe]

So I’ll have to pay £120 over the flight ticket? No thanks, staying here then

[sovex]

I wouldn't even do it for free... just to get wrongfully diagnosed and lose 2 weeks of wage... just because an idiot is in charge, no thanks.

[antonioszytulskyj]

🎶 These BOOTS are made for scamming and that's just what they'll do... 🎶

[marksamson]

Why the hell would you pay £120 for a test when you have no symptoms??? In fact, who would pay £20 for a test with no symptoms

[crankyrebate]

The new test will be available to anyone who want to waste 120 quid

[mudskipper]

They need an IQ test before this surely....🤔

[cocos]

When you have ministers involved with pharma corporations and bio-labs producing tests outside any independent medical association which gives them rights to protect themselves under "commercial sensitivity" you are on dangerous ground.

[Antony-tycr]

Not a good advert for Boots. Are they saying their stores will now be full of people with covid symptoms? I think I'll be shopping elsewhere.

[damrock]

Everyone : People losing jobs all over the UK.

Boots : Not to worry, We can offer you a test for only £120.

It's all just about money, Who cares about actually potentially saving people from going homeless or even worse...

Should be ashamed of themselves.

[andylaauk]

If it can't detect viral load, then it can't be accurate.

[stumpusMaximus]

Good old Boots, the family store. We were calling all shops at the beginning for selling sanitiser at £40 for a litre - cashing in. Now we have all the damage from the past going on 10 months of job losses and massive hardship, people told to isolate when they don’t get paid for it, even without symptoms. Then this elitist division. Those that can afford this can afford to isolate for nothing! Pathetic beyond words.
Mind use your Boots points

[enzoferrari]

No ones goes to that overpriced chemist shop anymore.

[terryt]

Never let a good crisis go to waste - boots

[nodles]

What a racket 😂 wonder whose pockets that's going into. You're a flid if you fall for this.

[SportiClips]

One of the greatest scams that man has ever made.

[tiapeep]

£120 😳 OMFG I'D RATHER STAY HOME FOR 2 WEEKS IF I FEEL ILL

[ei]

Oh Yh cuz we just have £120 laying around for a test that isn’t even 100% accurate🙄

[ArmyofLove]

This is taking advantage of anyone going on holiday

[cocoalexander]

The virus has not been isolated yet, how and what are they testing for, and how do they know it’s 97% accurate ??