People in England and Scotland are being encouraged to take rapid coronavirus tests regularly.
By Rachel Schraer
Health reporter
People in England and Scotland are being encouraged to take rapid coronavirus tests regularly.
The UK government says regular testing could be an important tool for easing restrictions.
Why is testing being increased?
It's hoped the tests - known as lateral flow tests - can help stop individual cases from becoming outbreaks.
About one in three people have coronavirus without any symptoms.
How do I get a lateral flow test?
Anyone without symptoms in England can get free tests from testing sites, pharmacies or through the post (in packs of seven).
If you test at home, you are asked to report your results online or by calling 119.
Regular lateral flow testing is already used for frontline NHS, care home and school staff - plus for secondary school pupils and in some workplaces.
Anyone in Scotland can also order lateral flow test kits online or collect them from local testing centres in the afternoon or early evening.
In addition, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said anyone visiting island communities from the mainland should take two lateral flow tests - the first three days before travel, and the second on the day of departure.
The gap between the first test and travel date will allow time to confirm any positive result with a PCR test - and determine whether or not people are safe to travel.
There is separate guidance for testing in Wales, and Northern Ireland.
How does the lateral flow test work?
It involves swabbing your nose and/or throat, then dipping the swab in a fluid.
This is then dropped onto a plastic device - a bit like a pregnancy test.
A line appears on a paper strip to show the test has worked. A second line appears if you have the virus.
What if I test positive and need a PCR test?
If you get a positive result from a lateral flow test anywhere in the country, you and your household must self-isolate immediately.
You should get a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test to confirm the result.
This can be booked online, or by phone - 119 in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or 0300 303 2713 in Scotland.
PCR test swabs are sent to a lab for analysis, with the result in 24-48 hours.
How reliable are lateral flow tests?
Lateral flow tests are less sensitive than PCR tests, and can miss more cases, especially in people with mild infections.
However the government says that for every 1,000 lateral flow tests carried out, there was less than one false positive result.
False positives are equally rare for PCR tests.
But they can still cause problems. If lots of people get tested when there is very little virus in circulation, you might get more false positives than true positives, which can distort infection rates.
What if I have Covid symptoms?
You have a legal obligation to self-isolate if:
- You have Covid symptoms - a new continuous cough, high temperature, or change in sense of taste or smell
- You test positive for Covid-19
- You live with someone who has tested positive
- You live with someone who has Covid symptoms (unless they have a negative test)
- You arrive in the UK from a country other than the Republic of Ireland
- You are contacted by NHS Test and Trace to say you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
- SOCIAL DISTANCING: What are the rules now?
- SUPPORT BUBBLES: What are they and who can be in yours?
- FACE MASKS: When do I need to wear one?
- LOOK-UP TOOL: How many cases in your area?
