Rapid Covid-19 community testing for people unable to work from home
This testing is supplied by NHS Test and Trace and is being offered to people aged 18 and over who are key workers or having to leave home to go to work. The tests are strictly for people who have no symptoms of Covid-19.
It enables those who test positive, and their contacts, to self-isolate, which can help drive down the R rate locally and save lives.
As many as 1 in 3 people who have coronavirus have no symptoms.
To make the testing as worthwhile as possible, we need people to take a test twice a week. A one-off test will offer little benefit as it can only provide information about likelihood of being infectious at that point in time.
Tests are being offered at:
- St Mark’s Church, Lincoln Road, Peterborough, PE1 2SN.
Open every day, 8.30am to 7pm until 4 March 2021. It will close temporarily until 8 March 2021 and will then be open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm. - Nene Valley Community Centre, Candy Street, Woodston, Peterborough, PE2 9RE.
Open from 1 March 2021, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm.
Please note: do not contact St Mark's Church directly about rapid community testing.
Book a test at a rapid testing site
- You can only get an asymptomatic test if you book an appointment in advance.
- You can book more than one appointment per person.
- Please do not make an appointment for this test if you have any symptoms (a new, continuous cough, high temperature or change in your sense of smell/taste).
Book a rapid test (use green button like on PCC website currently and link to booking site)
Please note: Results are often provided within an hour (but can take up to 24 hours).
- Book a test at St Mark's Church up to and including 4 March 2021
- Book a test at St Mark's Church from 8 March
- Book a test at the Nene Valley Community Centre
About community testing
- The sites have been carefully designed with clinical protocols in place and using purpose-built booths, so that social distancing and strict cleaning processes can be adhered to.
- The test involves individuals self-swabbing (although assisted-swabbing is available upon request) and tests are recommended twice a week, with 3 or 4 days between tests. Find out more about how to take the test below.
- Normally, the testing process takes approximately 15 minutes - this will include the registration process and taking the swab test.
- As part of the swab process, you will be required to blow your nose, so bring some tissues with you if you have any.
- During busy periods, you may need to wait outside, so please wear a coat or something warm.
- Once you have completed the test, you can leave, as your results will be sent to you via text or email.
The lateral flow tests are not completely accurate at detecting positive cases and sometimes will return a negative test when someone is in fact positive. That is why it is vital that people continue to follow the national guidance and act like they have Covid at all times.
Information on Lateral Flow Tests provided by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) can be found online.
Further information about Lateral Flow Tests is available on the GOV.UK website.
Arriving at the site
- When you arrive, you will be met by a member of staff who will provide you with information on how to register your test on the NHS website. You will then be provided with a unique barcode to finalise this registration process.
- Once registration is complete, you will be directed to a testing booth where you will be able to complete the swab.
- Testing assistants will be available to answer any questions you have and support you through the process.
Rapid Covid-19 home testing kits for households with children
Households with children in school, childcare or support bubbles can now test themselves twice a week from home using rapid Covid-19 home testing kits.
With up to one in three individuals with coronavirus show no symptoms. This means some can potentially spread Covid-19 without knowing it. Regular testing of people who are unable to stay at home and don’t have symptoms means that people with Covid-19 can be detected early and can self-isolate.
Rapid Covid-19 home testing kits will be available for children and their household as well as adults working in the wider school community, including bus drivers and after school club leaders, who are displaying no symptoms, to collect or to order to their home from 1 March 2021.
If you are unable to collect, you can order online to be delivered to your home or by calling 119.
You do not need to book an appointment or provide ID to collect your home testing kits. Each test kit contains 7 lateral flow tests and instructions. You can get up to 28 tests at a time depending on the size of your household.
The test usually involves taking a sample from your throat and from your nose, using a swab. You can get a result in 30 minutes.
If the home rapid Covid-19 test is negative you still need to continue to follow government guidelines of social distancing, wearing face coverings and sanitising hands.
If the test is positive, you should self-isolate immediately and get a lab PCR test to confirm the result - you can book this online or call 119.
If you test positive
If you test positive, you will need to isolate for 10 days along with other members of your household. NHS Test and Trace will support you to identify close contacts. We will get in touch to give you more information about practical and financial support available to help you isolate. There is lots of support for anyone who needs it in order to self-isolate.
If you test negative
You must still take extra care and follow national guidance. Don’t invite anyone into your home who doesn’t live with you, work from home if you can, wash your hands often and well, keep your distance from people you don’t live with, wear a mask in shops or on public transport. You need to continue to take these measures even if you test negative as the test might not have picked up the virus or you could be incubating it. Find out more about public advice. https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/healthcare/public-health/coronavirus/coronavirus-public-advice
Please note, if you have symptoms, please book a test immediately at one of the permanent sites in Peterborough by calling 119 or booking online.
Data protection
You will need to register your details online and give consent for NHS Test and Trace to process your data and contact you with your results.
Find out more about how NHS Test and Trace will use your data.
Your information regarding the test may be shared with Peterborough City Council.
