Public Urged Not To Delay Test If Symptomatic

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should not put off getting tested because of the holiday period, National Clinical Director Professor Jason Leitch said today.

Testing centres are open as normal today and every day through the New Year holiday and it is essential that people with symptoms do not delay getting a test.

Delaying testing will hamper efforts to tackle the new variant of the virus which can spread far more quickly and easily.

Prof. Leitch said:

“Given the severity of the situation we face, it is of paramount importance that anyone with COVID symptoms does not delay getting a test.

“Testing is carrying on as normal at weekends and on public holidays and it’s that testing that protects others, by enabling contact tracing to take place and ensuring people know they should isolate to avoid spreading the virus.

“Getting tested also helps to give us the up-to-date data on how COVID-19 is spreading, which we need to tackle the virus.

“If people delay that testing then they are potentially putting other people at risk.

“So if you have a high temperature or fever, new continuous cough or a change in sense of smell or taste, you should self-isolate and please book a test immediately.”

To book a test go online to the NHS Inform website, or call 0800 028 2816 if you cannot book online. For further information visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) self-help guide | NHS inform