Why regular tests will help keep life moving
To help stop the spread of Covid-19, get into the habit of regular rapid testing if you have no symptoms
restrictions start to ease, and with more people receiving the Covid-19 vaccination, we know you’ll want to keep life moving in the right direction and keep your loved ones safe. That’s where free regular rapid testing for people with no symptoms can help – it’s a vital tool in helping to drive down transmission of the virus.
Regular rapid testing eligibility has now extended to all adults who show no symptoms in England. The tests are quick and easy to do at home, giving you results within 30 minutes.
By making twice-weekly testing part of your routine, you can do your bit to help ensure we stop the spread of coronavirus. Up to a third of all people who have Covid-19 show no symptoms, so it’s vital that we all remain vigilant as restrictions continue to ease.
Alongside the vaccine, testing is still a key weapon in tackling the virus and these will work hand in hand in the months to come. We all want to get life moving again, and millions of people have already made regular rapid tests part of their routine. The more we play our part and get into the habit of testing, the more we can help protect each other by breaking the chains of transmission.
The rapid lateral flow test is specifically for anyone who has no symptoms: it picks up cases in the most infectious stage of the disease.
You’ll see the results within 30 minutes, and if it’s positive you’ll know you need to self-isolate immediately. Whether it’s positive, negative or even void, you need to report your result at gov.uk/reportcovid19-result or by calling 119.
More than 43 million rapid tests have been carried out so far. You can order these online, get them through your workplace or collect them from test sites.
It’s vital that you combine testing with all the other safety measures. Remember: Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air. Wear a face covering, wash your hands, keep a two-metre distance and only meet outdoors.