The Government has spent the last 16 months shoring up the NHS' Test and Trace programme to keep in step with the breadth of the country's Covid epidemic. Despite some hiccups, it has emerged as a proven success thanks to public cooperation and testing access. Members of the public can secure tests via a free in-person service or order, but this could change.

       Covid tests are currently free, with health officials able to provide several at a time to those who need them at no extra cost.

       The arrangement is vital for keeping test usage high without excluding people on a low income.

       At present, people can access free rapid lateral flow tests for themselves and their loved ones twice a week.

       READ MORE: How to tell if your child is trying to fake a Covid lateral flow test

       But as the country moves towards July, one of the new responsibilities the Government may choose to pin on the public is buying tests.

       According to the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), Covid tests were always on a time limit.

       The department revealed they could only guarantee free Covid tests until the end of July.

       A spokesman told The Independent they would release a statement on "whether or not it will be extended" past this date.

       He added: "It beggars belief that the health secretary is introducing charging for testing.

       "We should be making it easier to access testing, not harder.”

       The news comes as the Government reaffirms the importance of tests in detecting asymptomatic Covid cases.

       The DHSC has championed data from three studies that show LFDs can effectively detect the dominant Delta variant.

       The three papers analysed the tests across circumstances, including on variants of concern, patients with varying vital loads, as part of mass testing campaigns and more.

       Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), hailed the success of the country's "powerful testing armoury."

       She added: "These rapid tests continue to play an integral role in helping us stay on top of this virus by quickly identifying positive cases that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

       "This enables us to take swift action, preventing asymptomatic cases from becoming outbreaks."