About 1 in 3 people with coronavirus do not have symptoms, but can still pass it on to others. Regular testing of people without symptoms is important to help stop the virus spreading and protect your loved ones. As lockdown restrictions gradually ease, we all need to play our part to help protect each other.
The rapid lateral flow test is aimed at people without symptoms. Twice weekly lateral flow testing has identified over 100,000 people nationally without symptoms, protecting individuals, families and communities.
Who is eligible for a rapid lateral flow test?
To support the safe return of children to face-to-face education there is now a new offer from the government to provide home tests to:
- households, childcare and support bubbles of primary and secondary-age pupils.
- households, childcare and support bubbles of primary and secondary staff.
- those working in the wider education sector e.g. those providing home-to-school transport, the delivery of education goods and other education contracted services.
How do I access a rapid lateral flow test?
You can order tests to arrive at your house by post by visiting the government’s home testing website.
Your tests should arrive within a couple of days. Testing involves swabbing your nose and throat. All the instructions will be in the packaging.
Currently, there is no community testing site on the islands and the Five Islands Academy are not able to distribute tests.
What if my test result is positive?
If your test is positive, please self-isolate immediately and:
- call our Testing Helpline on 01626 204950
- or email d-ccg.devoncovid19testing@nhs.net
If you have any questions, or if self-isolating will cause you or your family hardship or distress, please contact keepscillysafe@scilly.gov.uk and we will signpost you to the information and financial and welfare support we have in place to keep you and the community safe.
IMPORTANT! If you are symptomatic…
Please remember that if you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus, you, your household and anyone in your support bubble must self-isolate immediately and access a test by:
- calling our Testing Helpline on 01626 204950
- or emailing d-ccg.devoncovid19testing@nhs.net
Continue to follow the basic rules
Regardless of whether you have been tested, have been vaccinated or believe the risk to be low on the islands, it is essential that we all continue to follow the guidance, wash our hands, cover our faces, make space, let fresh air into enclosed spaces and stay at home as much as possible until the government confirms otherwise.
Testing into the future
This new offer augments what is in place currently for the education, health, social care and airport sector. Please keep an eye on the Council's website and social media accounts for further news on the roll out of lateral flow tests for those in other industry sectors who cannot work from home.
Again, if you have any questions relating to coronavirus arrangements on the islands, please email keepscillysafe@scilly.gov.uk.