Changes to Testing
As we learn to live alongside Covid, testing has changed to focus on those at higher risk of the virus. Here’s what you need to know:
Can I get a free Covid test?
You can continue to get free tests if you:
- Work in the NHS or in social care
- Are going into hospital for surgery or a procedure
- Have a health condition which means you’re eligible for new COVID-19 treatments.
To find out more visit the NHS website.
Can I buy Lateral Flow Tests?
Yes. Visit the GOV.UK for a list of private test providers. You cannot order tests from NHS 111 or 999.
What should I do instead of taking a Covid test?
As with any illness, staying at home when you feel unwell helps reduce the spread of infection. So if you have Covid symptoms or another respiratory infection and a temperature, or generally feel unwell try and please, stay at home.
Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people - especially those at higher risk from Covid - if you:
- Have any symptoms of Covid (visit the NHS website for the full Covid symptoms list) and have a high temperature or feel unwell.
- Have tested positive for Covid. Please, stay at home for five days.
If you have a high temperature or feel unwell after five days continue to stay home, and avoid contact with other people, until you feel well enough to get back to your normal activities and you no longer have a high temperature if you had one.
Visit the NHS website for the latest guidance.
Check out our ‘5 ways to live with Covid’ for simple steps you can take to help keep infection rates low, our communities and loved ones safe.