News OnTheWight has had calls from Isle of Wight residents asking how to book a Covid-19 test.
They tell us that they’ve found it hard to find the information on how to book a Coronavirus test, so here’s the summary.
There are a couple of criteria you have to pass first.
Who can get a free test?
The advice is that you can only get a free NHS test if at least one of the following applies:
- you have a high temperature
- you have a new, continuous cough
- you’ve lost your sense of smell or taste or it’s changed
- you’ve been asked to get a test by a local council
- you’re taking part in a government pilot project
- you’ve been asked to get a test to confirm a positive result
You can also get a test for someone you live with if they have symptoms.
It has to be in the first eight days
You need to get the test done in the first 8 days of having symptoms.
On days 1 to 7, you can get tested at a site or at home. If you’re ordering a home test kit on day 7, do it by 3pm.
On day 8, you need to go to a test site – it’s too late to order a home test kit.
How to book a Covid test
You have two choices:
- You can use the Internet to book
- Or give them a call on 119
(Lines are open 7am to 11pm)
You’ll have to go through a series of menus on the phone, pressing numbers on your phone to answer the questions.
If you want to read the ins and outs, see the Government Website.
