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Prevent Notice Act

COVID-19 Testing programmes

Testing instructions for those who have symptoms, and testing options for those who don't, including test collection for regular testing at home.

What's on this page:

    Types of COVID-19 tests

    The type of test you take will depend on whether you have symptoms or not.

    You have symptoms - 'symptomatic' testing

    This is called PCR testing and is for those who have symptoms.

    Read more about PCR testing and how to get one.

    You do not have symptoms - 'asymptomatic' testing

    This is called Lateral flow testing (LFT) and is for those who do not have symptoms.

    Read more about lateral flow testing and how to get one.

    If you have symptoms

    This is called a Polymerase Chain Reaction Test (PCR).

    This test is for those who are experiencing symptoms which include a high temperature, continuous cough or loss of/change in taste or smell. You may have already had one at a local testing site or know somebody who has been. You can also order a home test if you can’t visit a local testing site.

    The PCR test is a swab that is sent to a lab for testing. Most people get their result the next day by email or text (or via the Test and Trace app if you use it), but it may take up to 3 days.

    Get a test

    Book a PCR test immediately

    You can also call 119.

    Only leave your home for your PCR appointment or to post your test kit.

    Please note: If you have symptoms, you should not conduct a lateral flow test, either at home or by attending a lateral flow testing site. Lateral flow tests are only for those who do no have symptoms.

    If you do not have symptoms

    This is called a regular lateral flow test (LFT).

    A lateral flow test (LFT) is a rapid test for COVID-19. It requires a self-administered swab which is tested on site, not in a laboratory, meaning you receive your result within 20-30 minutes.

    Getting tested regularly is the only way to know if you have the virus. If people test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading.

    Anyone in England who does not have symptoms can now get regular rapid lateral flow tests to check for coronavirus.

    Why you should take a regular lateral flow test

    As 1 in 3 people do not show symptoms of COVID-19, lateral flow tests can really help us work together to control the spread of infection.

    By testing people without symptoms, it can break the chains of transmission that we otherwise wouldn't know exist.

    By adopting this approach, we aim to:

    • quickly identify positive cases
    • make sure the isolate
    • offer relevant support.

    How often you should take one

    It is recommended that you take a test twice a week - every 3 or 4 days apart.

    How to access testing

    We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to access testing, and take up the offer of twice-weekly rapid testing.

    Tests can be accessed by any of the following:

    Workplace testing

    Thousands of employers are offering testing in the workplace. This can be done by either:

    • Visiting a testing site - where you can take a supervised test. You'll get a text or email with the result when it's ready.

    • 'Workplace collect' - where you can pick up a box of tests to use at home. You should report the test result online or by calling the number in your test kit instructions.

    If your employer offers any kind of workplace testing, this is the easiest way for you to access rapid lateral flow tests.

    Community testing at leisure centres

    If you are aged 16 or over, you can access supervised testing at a number of the council's leisure centres from Monday to Friday, 9am-3pm:

    • Beverley Leisure Centre

    • Bridlington Leisure Centre

    • Haltemprice Leisure Centre

    You must only visit these sites if you do not have symptoms.

    Book a test - enter the pin code 0000 when prompted unless you have already been provided with a pin code from your employer which you should use for your appointments.

    Collection at council-run sites

    You can collect lateral flow test kits for home use at the following sites:

    • Haltemprice Leisure Centre

    • Francis Scaife Leisure Centre (Pocklington)

    • Withernsea Leisure Centre

    • Hornsea Leisure Centre

    • Bridlington Leisure Centre

    • Goole Leisure Centre

    • Beverley Leisure Centre

    They can also be collected from:

    • Customer Service Centres and Libraries (including our Mobile Libraries)

    • South Cliff Holiday Park

    • Bridlington Spa

    • Sewerby Hall and Gardens

    No booking is required, you can just turn up.

    When collecting packs of tests, you can collect 2 packs at a time (14 tests in total).

    NHS Test and Trace - testing and collection

    These NHS Test and Trace sites operate as testing sites for those with symptoms in the morning, but are currently providing an afternoon collect option, where you can pick up tests to use at home. When collecting packs of tests, you can collect 2 packs at a time (14 tests in total).

    Visit GOV.UK to find local testing and collection sites.

    Pharmacy collect

    Thousands of pharmacies across England have signed up to offer pharmacy collect. When launched, you will be able to go to a participating pharmacy and pick up a free box of tests to use at home. Over the coming weeks more and more pharmacies will be signing up.

    Find a local collection site on the NHS website.

    Schools and colleges

    If you attend or work at a school, college or nursery you can get rapid tests through your school, college or nursery.

    If you're in a childcare or support bubble with someone who attends or works at a school, college or nursery, you're advised to do a test twice a week. Take a look at the options for receiving regular testing.

    Primary school-age children and younger do not need to test.

    Order online

    For people who can’t access tests through the routes listed above, you can order a box of tests online or through 119, which will be delivered to your home. A pack of tests contains 7 tests. You can order one pack per household each day.

    Order test kits online.

    Report your results

    It's important to report the result:

    • every time you use a rapid lateral flow test kit

    • as soon as possible after you get the result.

    You cannot report a result after more than 24 hours.

    Read about how to report your test results on the GOV.UK website.

    Results

    If your test is negative

    If your LFT result is negative you do not need to isolate. You must continue to follow current COVID-19 guidelines on how to protect yourself and others from coronavirus. This includes:

    • regularly washing your hands
    • wearing a face covering (unless exempt)
    • social distancing from anyone not in your household or support bubble.

    If you later develop symptoms, you must book a PCR test.

    Please note: If you have had a positive PCR test in the last 10 days, you must continue to self-isolate for the full 10 days even if you have a negative LFT test within this time period.

    If your test result is positive

    You and anyone you live with should self-isolate immediately.

    You must now take a follow-up confirmatory PCR test - this is a test that is sent to a lab.

    This test needs to take place within 48 hours of the initial lateral flow test. You should only leave your home for this follow-up test, and you and your household are legally required to self-isolate immediately for 10 full days, pending the result of the confirmatory test.

    Find out if you're eligible to receive the £500 Test and Trace support payment for those having to stop work due to self-isolation.

    Disposal of LFT kits

    The paper and cardboard can be placed in the blue recycling bin, but all other items should go into the green general waste bin which is the same for any masks and PPE.

    Disposal of LFT at home poster (pdf 4.0mb)

    Fri 30 Apr

    Register your community group for LFT kit distribution

    Be a local hero

    We are asking for your support in keeping our communities safe, particularly now many of us are returning to local leisure and social activities, back at school or returning to the workplace.

    We need trusted community voices and groups within the East Riding to further promote the use of rapid Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs) to all of our residents, young and old.

    If you do not already provide LFT home testing kits as part of our current community distribution and would be willing to become a collection point, please get in touch with our team:

    Email: lft@eastriding.gov.uk

    Thank you for your support.

    Thu 16 Sep

    More information

    Find a rapid lateral flow test site in your area - GOV.UK

    Testing and Tracing for Coronavirus - NHS

    Report a Lateral Flow Test result - GOV.UK

    Getting tested for coronavirus - GOV.UK

    Got symptoms?
    Get tested.

    Register online for a COVID-19 test Call 119 to book a COVID-19 test