UK high street pharmacy, Boots is launching a new in-store COVID-19 nasal swab testing service to people who are not showing symptoms.

The technology has been developed by LumiraDx, who is also providing supplies to the NHS in Scotland.

The Lumira private COVID-19 test will cost £120 and will be available in 10 stores from this week, before rolling out to 50 Boots stores throughout November.

WHY IT MATTERS

The test analyses a nose swab sample in 12 minutes, via a portable testing machine.  

Speedy testing is integral in containing the next wave of COVID-19 while an effective vaccine is created, particularly when recent data shows that just 15.1% of people are receiving results within 24 hours through the current testing system in place in the UK.

THE LARGER CONTEXT

Boots has played a part in providing digital and contact-less national healthcare services during the pandemic. In February, they piloted a digital prescription service for its customers and in July, they offered access to online video pharmacy consultations for people living with cancer.

"Return-to-work" testing initiatives for employees have been on a rapid rise in the aim to get workers safely back into the office. Last week, digital testing platform PocDoc launched a COVID-19 workplace testing system in the efforts of getting Britain back to work.

Other time-effective tests, which give results within 90 minutes are also being trialled by the NHS.