Boots has announced plans to sell lateral flow tests at over 400 stores from the beginning of March, with individual test kits priced at £2.50.

In the wake of the Government’s decision to end the free provision of coronavirus tests for most people in England, the multiple said that from February 23 it will begin selling tests on its website at £5.99 for one, or £17 for a pack of four. Results from these tests can be reported to the UK Health Security Agency but may not be used as a certificate for travelling.

Then in early March, it will start offering tests at the cheaper price of £2.50 for one or £12 for a bundle of five. These cheaper tests will also be available on boots.com, alongside a bundle of two tests for £4.75 and four tests for £9.50.

Boots UK healthcare services director Asif Aziz said: “We are pleased to be expanding our COVID-19 testing services even further, with affordable lateral flow testing options for those who still want peace of mind from asymptomatic testing after April 1.

“While it is great that we are returning to normal and finding a way to live with COVID-19, we encourage our customers and patients to stay safe and continue to take measures to limit the spread of the virus, especially to those in vulnerable groups.”