

They are reliable, simple and quick to use and are very good at identifying people who have high levels of coronavirus and are most likely to pass on infection to others. LFD tests detect proteins in the coronavirus and work in a similar way to a pregnancy test. If you have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19, you should arrange to have a PCR test. PCR tests are the best way to diagnose COVID-19 infection in people who have symptoms and who also may require treatment. It takes some time to get the results because PCR tests are usually processed in a laboratory. PCR tests detect the RNA (ribonucleic acid, the genetic material) of a virus.

The main symptoms of COVID-19 are recent onset of any of the following: If you have arrived in England from overseas you may also need to self-isolate, but should follow separate guidance on travelling to England from another country during COVID-19. a group of people who share a nomadic way of life for example those who live on Traveller sites, in vehicles or on canal boatsįollow separate guidance if you have had contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 but do not currently live in the same household as them.

a group of people (who may or may not be related) living at the same address and who share cooking facilities, bathrooms or toilets, or living areas – this may include students in boarding schools or halls of residence who share such facilities.people who currently live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 symptoms, or with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 by LFD or PCR test.people who have received a positive COVID-19 LFD or PCR test result (whether or not they have symptoms).people with symptoms that may be caused by COVID-19, including those who are waiting for a COVID-19 test result.
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The self-isolation period remains 10 full days for those without negative results from 2 LFD tests taken a day apart. The first LFD test should not be taken before the fifth day after your symptoms started (or the day your test was taken if you did not have symptoms). It is now possible to end self-isolation after 5 full days if you have 2 negative LFD tests taken on consecutive days. The self-isolation advice for people with coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed.
