Boots UK today announces the launch of a brand new in-store COVID-19 testing service, specifically offered for those without COVID-19 symptoms, as part of its continued efforts to support the NHS and local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The service is already available in ten stores in total, which are located in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow for customers travelling to UAE, with plans to roll out a wider service to over 50 stores across the UK over the next few weeks. Depending on demand and feedback, the launch may extend to 200 stores over the coming months.

The service is available as a private pre-flight testing service for customers who require a test before travelling abroad. It is also an accessible solution for those who would prefer peace of mind before seeing friends and family.

This is one of several new initiatives at Boots as the company expands its digital healthcare and pharmacy service offerings. Boots is evolving its pharmacy offer as it aims to future proof the pharmacy model and provide further support to the UK healthcare system.

Over the next few weeks, Boots will also be rolling out new LumiraDx devices to selected stores, which will be able to process swab test COVID-19 results in just 12 minutes* giving customers rapid same-day results. Specifically for customers who don’t have symptoms, this way of testing will help customers to quickly get peace of mind, revolutionising the speed of testing across the UK and reducing inappropriate use of the Government testing programme.

Seb James, Managing Director of Boots UK and ROI commented: “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. We hope that by offering this testing option in local community stores, Boots can help ease pressure on the NHS and the Government by providing additional access to testing and crucial reassurances for people across the UK. As part of the UK High Street for over 170 years, Boots is proud to serve on the front line alongside the NHS and we will continue to do our part to support the nation’s healthcare needs during this challenging time and beyond.”

To obtain a COVID-19 test, patients can simply fill out a registration form and follow the instructions to book an appointment through the Boots online portal, available through boots.com. Once in store, a testing-trained member of Boots expert team will facilitate the swab test, package the swab and send it to a laboratory to be tested, with results usually available within 48 hours**. More information on this service is available on boots.com.

For media, please find our full press release here.

*Note that this test is not currently approved as a pre-flight testing service, which requires a PCR test and for results to be processed via a registered lab

**There will be a different process for the in-store testing using the LumiraDx device