COVID Testing & Self Isolation
COVID-19 has not gone away and is likely to remain with us globally.
Even though restrictions have been lifted, you should do all you can to keep yourself and others safe.
Help us to continue to disrupt the transmission of the virus by:
- self-isolating when you feel unwell
- wearing masks in crowded places
- keeping up to date with your vaccinations
Continuing with protective behaviours is important and will help to minimise exposure to and spread of COVID-19, as well as other respiratory infections and other diseases
From 1 April testing for COVID-19 will change. People can no longer order lateral flow tests (LFTs) unless they have symptoms of COVID-19. All PCR testing sites for the general public will close.
Who can get a COVID-19 lateral flow test
You can now only get tested for coronavirus if any of the following apply:
- you have symptoms of COVID-19
- your GP or healthcare professional asks you to take a test
- you have COVID-19 and want to check if your test result is still positive after day 5
- a doctor or specialist has said you're eligible for new COVID-19 treatments
- you are going to visit someone eligible for new COVID-19 treatments
- Children under 5 do not need to get tested unless advised by a doctor or if parents feel that this is in the best interest of the child.
Order lateral flow tests
You can order tests online (on GOV.UK) or call 119 between 7am and 11pm (calls are free).
Your test pack will usually arrive within 3 days. It might take longer during busy periods or holidays. If you have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19, you should self-isolate and take a lateral flow test (LFT). Continue to self-isolate until you get your LFT test result.
If you have a negative LFT test you can leave self-isolation immediately.
If you test positive on any COVID-19 test:
- You should self-isolate for 5 full days. Day 1 is the day after your symptoms started or the day you had the test, if you do not have symptoms (whichever is earlier).
- Take a lateral flow test (LFT) on day 5.
If the day 5 LFT is negative
- Report your LFT result.
- You should take another LFT on day 6.
- If your day 6 is also negative and you do not have a high temperature, you can leave self-isolation on day 6 as the risk you are still infectious is much lower and you can safely return to your normal routine.
- If you still have a high temperature or feel unwell, you should continue to self-isolate until it returns to normal, or you feel better.
If the day 5 or 6 LFT test is positive
- Report your LFT result.
- You should continue taking daily LFTs until you get 2 negative tests in a row, taken a day apart, or until day 10 – whichever is sooner.
- You do not need a negative LFT test on day 10 to leave self-isolation.
- If you still have a high temperature or feel unwell, you should continue to self-isolate until it returns to normal, or you feel better.
Summary of the 5 day isolation rule:
| Days | Action |
|---|---|
| 0 | Your symptoms begin or you test positive |
| 1 | Start counting self-isolation days |
| 2-4 | Continue to isolate at home |
| 5 | Start home testing with lateral flow tests |
| 6 | From day 6 to day 8 you can end self-isolation if you have 2 negative tests on 2 consecutive days |
| 8-9 | Continue to isolate if LFTs positive |
| 10 | Self-isolation ends regardless of LFT result - no more testing required |
Leaving self-isolation
To reduce the chance of passing COVID-19 on to others, after leaving self-isolation after 5 full days and 2 negative LFTs you should:
- try and minimise contact with others and avoid crowded settings particularly indoor settings
- if you are visiting vulnerable people in places such as care homes or hospitals, you should follow the relevant visitor guidance
- work from home if you are not already doing so and are practically able to
- pay extra attention to hand washing and wearing a face covering
There is additional guidance for those working in health and social care and special educational provision.