How to book a coronavirus test and who can get one?
ANYONE over the age of five is now eligible to test for coronavirus if they show symptoms.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock expanded coronavirus testing to in an effort in an effort to get Britain back to work, but who is eligible and how do you get tested?
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Who is eligible for the coronavirus test?
Anyone with symptoms who is unable to work from home will be able to get a swab test.
Previously, swab testing for coronavirus was only available to those working in the NHS suffering from symptoms, but Mr Hancock confirmed that testing had been expanded to include more key worker groups.
Care home residents, staff and NHS workers without symptoms have all been added to the list of people who can be tested.
People over 65 and those who must leave home to work, as well as those they live with will be able to get tested if they have symptoms of coronavirus.
Builders, plumbers and those working in manufacturing can also apply.
Once people have applied they will be provided with either a home testing kit, or they can visit one of the drive-through centres.
Where are the drive-through test centres?
There are now 43 Regional Test Sites set up by the Department of Health and Social Care:
- Aberdeen
- Belfast
- Birmingham (Midland Metropolitan)
- Bournemouth
- Brighton
- Bristol
- Cardiff
- Chessington
- Coventry
- Doncaster
- Ebbsfleet
- Edgbaston
- Edinburgh
- Exeter
- Gateshead
- Gatwick
- Glasgow
- Greater Manchester
- Greenwich
- Hull
- Inverness
- Ipswich
- Lee Valley
- Leeds
- Lincoln
- Liverpool
- Londonderry
- Manchester
- Milton Keynes
- NHS Nightingale London
- Nottingham
- Oxford
- Penrith
- Peterborough
- Plymouth
- Portadown
- Portsmouth
- Preston
- Stansted
- Twickenham
- Wembley
- Worcester.
- York
The Department of Health and Social Care is currently supporting 1 NHS trusts with satellite test sites for their staff (located in: Bexhill; Bognor Regis; Bradford; Chester; Coventry; Crewe; Huddersfield; Kendal; Lincolnshire; Liverpool; Manchester; Sandwell and Wakefield).
How can I apply online?
To apply for a test, visit the .
It was launched by the Department of Health and Social care for key workers and their family members.
The key worker will be given the option of either opting for a home test kit or selecting a drive through near your area.
As a result of limited home testing kits, the Government is urging people to select the drive through options if they can go there.
There are currently 42 of such drive through centers available across the UK.
What do you need to provide?
Some personal details will be required to complete the application process including name, mobile number and profession.
Once submitted, an email or text message will be sent to the key worker inviting them to book a test.
You will need an ID when going for test.
This can either be a driving license or passport.
How do the home test kits work?
Brits without a car will be offered a home test, including swabs and instructions.
They will be delivered by Amazon within 24 hours, before being collected the next day by Royal Mail.
A helpdesk will also be set up to deal with inquiries too.
To get started, .
Join our George Cross campaign for NHS staff
We are urging Sun readers to sign a petition calling for our NHS staff to be awarded the George Cross.
We are backing a proposal by Lord Ashcroft to honour our health heroes with the gallantry gong given for acts of bravery that did not take place in battle.
A No10 spokesman said: “The NHS is doing a fantastic job and the nation will want to find a way to say thank you when we have defeated this virus.” SAS hero Andy McNab added: “The award of a George Cross would show an emotional appreciation.”
We are asking our readers to please sign the petition below.
When will I receive my results and what happens next?
All those tested will get their results by text within 48 hours of having their swab taken.
Positive result
If you or someone you live with has got coronavirus then just sit tight and self-isolate, drink lots of fluids, take paracetamol or ibuprofen when needed and put your feet up.
Do not go back to work. You can get a to help pass the time.
If things get worse call 111.
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Negative result
If your test result turns out to be negative then the government says to get back to work.
Health Secretary Hancock said he wants to “help key workers return to work, which is key to keeping the country moving.”
Go back so long as:
- you are well enough
- you have not had a high temperature for 48 hours
- everyone you live with also tests negative
An NHS app is also being developed to try and monitor people who develop the virus, and tell them who they are likely to have come into contact with.