Get tested for COVID-19

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 you should get tested.

Symptoms are:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

Book a test online or by calling 119.

Walk-through testing sites are in Aylesbury and High Wycombe and Mobile Testing Units pop up regularly across Buckinghamshire.

View the NHS information about Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The purpose of a Lateral Flow Test (LFT), or a rapid test, is to identify people who have COVID-19 but do not have any symptoms to help break the chain of transmission. Alongside the vaccine, this plays an important part in ending lockdown and allowing us to return to a more normal way of life.

Twice weekly rapid testing is now available for everyone.

There following routes are available, depending on individual situations:

Thousands of employers are offering testing in the workplace. This includes:

• testing sites where you can take a supervised test
• workplace collect where you can pick up a box of tests to use at home

If your employer offers workplace testing, this is still the best route for you to access rapid tests.

Buckinghamshire Council offer four testing sites in Amersham, Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Buckingham where you can go to take a supervised test.

You can also collect up to 14 test kits to use at home. Details of all Buckinghamshire’s test centres can be found on our Rapid Testing Centres webpage.

These are across the country and operate as symptomatic testing sites in the morning but are currently providing an afternoon collect option, where you can pick up a box of tests to use at home.

Details of all test centres can be found on the NHS COVID-19 Test and Vaccination Site Finder.

Many pharmacies have also 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.

The NHS COVID-19 Test and Vaccination Site Finder allows you to search pharmacies near you that offer pharmacy collect. Over the coming weeks more and more pharmacies will be signing up.

Secondary and college students are already being given tests to use at home twice a week, throughout term time and the holidays.

For people who can’t access tests through the other routes, you can order a box of tests online or through 119, which will be delivered to your home.

Visit GOV.UK to order a home test kit.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you must stay at home and self-isolate immediately, even if you don’t have symptoms. Your household needs to isolate too. If you took your rapid test you will also need to take a PCR test either through a home PCR test kit or at a local PCR testing site.

If you’re unsure what you can and can’t do, we offer help if you’re self-isolating.

For financial support, you may be able to apply for a payment for self-isolating (Test and Trace Support Payment).