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PHE - Get tested with symptoms

Public Health England East is supporting NHS Test & Trace by reminding people in the East of England to only book a coronavirus test if they have any of the key symptoms.

PHE asks the region to play their part - continue to follow public health advice; don’t book a test if you don’t have symptoms and self-isolate until a test result is confirmed.

  • There is a very high demand for coronavirus tests and it is vital  that only people with  with symptoms get tested to help stop the spread of the virus.
  • A recent survey at testing sites found a quarter of people turning up did not have symptoms. If you don’t have coronavirus symptoms, and have not been advised to take a test by a doctor or a public health professional or by your local council, you should not be booking a test.

Dorothy Gregson, Interim Deputy Regional Director of PHE East of England, says,

“We are receiving reports from our local NHS Test and Trace partners that the demand for Covid-19 tests in our region is very high and is putting the local testing centres and laboratories under enormous pressure. We would like to reach out to the public to remind them that we all need to play our part to protect the NHS Test and Trace service and keep it working for those who really need it.

“With cases increasing across the UK, we all need to take action to suppress the virus. It is critical that everybody continues to follow the public health advice and to: WASH hands regularly for 20 seconds, wear a FACE covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult and keep the SPACE of 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible.”

When to get a test or not:

  • Only get a test if you have coronavirus symptoms or have been asked to get tested by a doctor or a public health professional or by your local council. The main symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms.
  • Do not use this service to get a test in order to travel to another country. We do not provide certificates for travel purposes. You can pay for a private test.
  • If your employer, school, or travel company has asked for evidence of a negative coronavirus test result, we are unable to provide this service. You should only get tested if you have symptoms.
  • If someone in your household starts to have symptoms, then they must get tested and the rest of your household should self-isolate with them whilst they wait for the results. If you or other members of the household don’t have symptoms, then you should not get a test – only people with symptoms should get tested. Most people who are tested in person get their results the next day. Full guidance on self-isolation is available on gov.uk.  
  • If you have been in close contact with someone who has coronavirus you should not get tested unless you have coronavirus symptoms. A negative test result does not change the period of time that you will be required to self-isolate.  
  • If you have been abroad and are quarantining, you should not get tested unless you have coronavirus symptoms. A negative test result does not change the period of time that you will be required to quarantine.
  • Do not stockpile tests. If you develop symptoms in future you will be able to book a test. There is no need to order a test in case of future use.
  • If you have symptoms and need to book a test, you can do this online or by ringing 119. Do not call 111 which is an urgent care service and cannot help with tests.