Guide to the latest Covid-19 testing and isolation rules

With so many recent changes to guidance, it can be difficult to know what advice to follow. We’ve put together this guide to help you.

If you have symptoms get a PCR test

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, even mild, you must self-isolate immediately and book a COVID-19 PCR test.

If you test positive you'll need to stay at home and self-isolate as advised. When you receive your results you’ll be given advice about what to do next. Use a lateral flow test when you don’t have symptoms

You should take a lateral flow test on days when you're more likely to catch or spread COVID-19, before you meet others, socialise or go to crowded or enclosed places.

Please report all Covid test results so that you receive the most up-to-date advice.

You no longer need to order a PCR test to confirm the result but if you test positive you must self-isolate immediately.

Some exceptions apply, including if you will be applying for a Test and Trace Support Payment, you will still need to take a PCR test. 

Where to get your free lateral flow test packs

You can order tests online or pick up test kits from Sutton Civic Offices, public libraries in Suton, and several local pharmacies. To find the place nearest to you visit the NHS lateral flow test collection locations web page.

Self-isolate if you test positive on a lateral flow or PCR test

Anyone who develops symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19 on a lateral flow or PCR test must self-isolate immediately. You usually have to self-isolate for 10 full days but may be able to end sooner after two consecutive negative lateral flow tests on days 5 and 6.  

When counting how long you need to self-isolate, the day of your positive test, or the day symptoms started, counts as day zero. Wait until day 5 to test again.

For example, if your positive test was on Monday (day zero) wait until Saturday (day 5) to take a lateral flow test. You should not test before day 5.

Test again the following day (day 6).

If both test results on days 5 and 6 are negative, and you do not have a high temperature, you can end your self-isolation.

If the test result is positive, wait 24 hours before you take another test.

The self-isolation period remains 10 full days or two consecutive negative tests taken a day apart.

Please report your LFD test results after taking each test.

What to do when self-isolation ends

If you end your self-isolation period before 10 full days you are strongly advised to limit close contact with people outside your household, especially in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

To further reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19, work from home if you can and limit contact with anyone at higher risk of severe illness.

This isolation guidance also applies to children and young people who usually attend an education or childcare setting.