If you develop coronavirus symptoms – fever, new continuous cough or changed sense of smell or taste – you can order a test through the NHS.
You should also self-isolate for 7 days straight away. Anyone you live with should also stay at home for 14 days.
The sooner you are tested, the sooner you will know if you and your household need to continue to self-isolate.
Ordering a test:
Testing can be done through kits in post, at mobile and drive-through facilities, or in hospitals and care homes for staff and patients there.
If you’re an essential worker with coronavirus symptoms, you should apply for a test here.
Getting your results
You’ll normally hear back within 48 hours – although it can take longer. If your result is negative and your symptoms have gone, you no longer need to self-isolate.
A positive result means you have had coronavirus and should continue to self-isolate along with your household. Test and Trace service will ask about other people you’ve been in close contact with. You can read how that process works here.