People advised to take Covid tests before hitting the shops this Christmas

Christmas shoppers have been urged to take a Covid test before a trip to shopping centres or the high street this winter.

It is the first time the government has advised the public to take a rapid lateral flow test before going to high-risk settings.

The guidance is part of the government’s attempts to prevent a fourth wave without needing to introduce Plan B.

What does the Covid guidance say?

Previously, the advice has been to take two tests a week or carry out a lateral flow test before meeting vulnerable people.