Tests for Carers with Coronavirus Symptoms

Tests for Carers with Coronavirus Symptoms

This week the Government changed its guidelines to include Carers as essential workers (such as doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff, including volunteers and unpaid carers.)

This means that if you think you have Coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature and/or a new, continuous cough), you can get tested.  And, if anyone else in your house has symptoms, they can get tested as well. Did you also know that anyone over 65 with symptoms, can get tested too?

• How to arrange your test:
  You need to get the test done in the first 5 days of having symptoms. It’s best to apply for the test in the first 3 days as it may take 1 or 2 days to arrange.
• You might not get a test if you apply – it depends how many tests are available in your area. Frontline essential workers such as NHS staff will be given priority.
• If you’re applying for someone else and they’re aged 13 and over, you must check that they are happy for you to apply for them.
• To arrange your test, you need to go to the government website and make a self-referral. There’s also a useful self-referral portal: user guide.  You will be able to choose a regional test site drive-through appointment or home test kit.

The test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat.  There are some video clips to show you how to do it.