Covid Testing

Anyone with coronavirus symptoms can get a test.

Coronavirus symptoms are:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

You can get a test for someone you live with if they have these symptoms. Do not get tests for people you live with who do not have these symptoms.

If you're asked to get a test

You can also get a test if:

• you live in England and have been told to have a test before you go into hospital, for example, for surgery
• your local council asks you to get a test
• you’re taking part in a government pilot project

You can access a test:

• Through the NHS portal at: https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/antigen/name
• By dialling 119
• By contacting the Wakefield Covid Testing Service on 01924 224497 or by email at: covidtesting@nhs.net

A negative result means the test did not find coronavirus.

You do not need to self-isolate if your test is negative, as long as:

• everyone you live with who has symptoms tests negative
• everyone in your support bubble who has symptoms tests negative
• you were not told to self-isolate for 14 days by NHS Test and Trace – if you were, see what to do if you've been told you've been in contact with someone who has coronavirus
• you feel well – if you feel unwell, stay at home until you’re feeling better
• If you have diarrhoea or you’re being sick, stay at home until 48 hours after they've stopped.

If you're a health or care worker, check with your employer before going back to work.

A positive result means you had coronavirus when the test was done.

If your test is positive, you must self-isolate immediately.

• If you had a test because you had symptoms, keep self-isolating for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started.
• If you had a test but have not had symptoms, self-isolate for 10 days from when you had the test.

Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, must self-isolate for 14 days from when you start self-isolating.

Self isolation guidance is available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/

Information:

In England, you'll get an email, text or call from the NHS Test and Trace service if you test positive after having symptoms.

You'll be asked where you've been recently and who you've been in close contact with.

Self Isolation

If you have been advised to self isolate, you do not need a sicknote from your GP and your employer should not request one.  You can obtain a self isolation not by visiting: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/