Covid lateral flow tests on sale on Facebook and eBay for up to £100
Ruthless sellers are taking advantage of the Covid test shortage by selling kits online for as much as £100.
The tests have found their way onto Facebook and eBay for a price, despite being free to Brits.
Some have even turned up at an auction house in Stockport as the shortage grips Britain. GENTLEMEN reports.
Simon Charles Auctioneers and Valuers had to undergo four major tests this week.
Each pack contained up to 20 sets, with bids of around £5 already floating around as revelers tried to get their hands on one before last night's New Year celebrations.
Other 'unused and sealed' tests have appeared on Facebook for as much as £100.
One shameless user was criticized for trying to sell the kits for £5 each on social media.
In a post about the Didsbury M20 group they wrote: “12 lateral flow tests for sale. £5 per box but can also sell for more than 1.
But one user shouted: “You should be giving these away for free to people who need them, not hoarding them for your own selfish gain!”
Another said: “How shameful of you. There is a shortage of these tests.”
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Health Secretary Sajid Javid this week revealed the impact a global shortage of lateral flow and PCR tests was having on Britain.
But desperate Britons flocked to testing sites and pharmacies to ensure their New Year's plans could still go ahead.
There were fears the festivities would be canceled as Omicron continues to rage across Britain.
The shortage of tests comes as experts have urged ministers to cut isolation time as some say is needed 'learn to live with the mild virus'.
The Omicron variant – now responsible for 90 per cent of cases in Britain – causes cold symptoms in most people.
A series of hugely positive studies show that Omicron IS is milder than other types, with the first official UK report showing the risk of hospital admission is 50 to 70 per cent lower than Delta.
Covid booster shots protect against Omicron and offer the best chance of weathering the pandemic, health officials have repeatedly said.
Sun's Jabs Army campaign is helping to get vital extra vaccines into Britons' arms to avert the need for new restrictions.
Facebook said they will not allow the sale of Covid tests and will “remove posts attempting to sell them” when notified.
An eBay spokesperson said: “COVID-19 tests are prohibited for sale on eBay.
“We condemn anyone trying to resell NHS COVID tests.
“We have filters in place to prevent these tests from reaching the platform, and our policy team also checks for these items regularly and any items that do make it onto the site are immediately removed.”
The Sun Online has contacted Simon Charles Auctioneers and Valuers.
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