Call your surgery if you feel you have Covid symptoms, and call 111 if worried and need immediate advice during out of hours.
COVID-19 antigen testing
Anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus infection can get a free test to check if they currently have the virus. The test involves taking a swab from the back of the throat and the inside of the nose.
You can use the link below to request an appointment at a local Mobile Testing Unit or to request a home test kit.
Essential workers: get a test today to check if you have coronavirus.
More information can be found here.
COVID-19 antibody testing
An antibody test is a blood test to check if you may have had coronavirus and may have developed some level of immunity. However at this time it is unclear if any immunity detected lasts and whether it protects against further COVID-19 infections and could still pass the virus on to others.
Therefore regardless of the result government guidelines on social distancing and protective personal equipment should continue to be followed.
NHS antibody testing is not generally available to the public as there is no strong evidence yet to suggest that those who have had the virus develop long-lasting immunity which would prevent them from getting the virus again.
Clinicians will be able to request tests for patients in both hospital and social care settings if they think there is a clear clinical need for this information.
More information can be found here.
Well-being while staying at home
Taking care of your mind as well as your body is really important while staying at home because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Visit NHS Every Mind Matters for advice, practice advice and support groups.
If you cannot wait to see a doctor and feel unable to cope or keep yourself safe, it’s important to get support.
Get urgent support now from Every Mind Matters
Keeping Active
To stay fit and healthy whilst at home, try the NHS Home workout videos.
Advice for patients with pre-existing conditions
- Macmillan – Cancer and coronavirus
- Asthma UK – What to do if you have asthma
- Blood Cancer UK – Information for people affected by blood cancer
- Diabetes UK – Coronavirus and diabetes
- Kidney Care UK – Guidance for patients with kidney disease
Support for the employed
Isolation Notes are available online from NHS 111, if you are self-isolating and need a note for your employer.
Support for self-employed
Guidance for people who are self-employed and getting less work or no work because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Advice for Vulnerable Patients
- Guidance on shielding and protecting extremely vulnerable people
- How to get support for extremely critical vulnerable person
- Advice for people at higher risk – those who are 70 or older, are pregnant or have a condition that increases the risks from coronavirus.
- Pregnancy advice
