There is now very high demand for coronavirus tests and it is vital people are tested if they have symptoms to help stop the spread of the virus.

If someone has COVID symptoms, they must get a test. If they don’t have symptoms, they don’t need a test.

A recent survey at testing sites found a quarter of people turning up did not have symptoms. If someone doesn’t have coronavirus symptoms, and has not been advised to take a test by a doctor or a public health professional or by their local council, they should not be book a test. Healthcare professionals will be checking those for symptoms at testing sites.

If someone has any coronavirus symptoms they must isolate immediately for 10 days (don’t wait for a test or a test result before doing so).

If someone is identified as a contact of a positive case they must isolate for the full 14 days (even if for some reason they got a negative test during that period).

By following these simple rules, people who need a test can get one.