Coronavirus test: how to book a Covid-19 test at a centre or at home

Testing is one of the most important methods of getting the virus under control (Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Depending on the kind of test you get, your results could be available between 48 and 72 hours

Testing people with coronavirus symptoms and then tracing their contacts is vital to reducing the spread of the virus.

But how long does a Covid-19 test take - and when will you get the results?

Here’s what you should know.

Who can get a test?

Anyone with coronavirus symptoms can get a test, no matter their age.

These symptoms are:

- A high temperature

- A new, continuous cough,

- A loss or change in sense of smell or taste

Health secretary Matt Hancock has spoken out against asymptomatic people who have taken Covid-19 tests, blaming them for the test shortage currently affecting the UK.

You can only get a Covid-19 test if you have symptoms.

When should I get a test?

If you’re experiencing coronavirus symptoms, you need to get a test done as soon as possible - within five days of having symptoms.

On days one to four of having symptoms, you can get tested at a testing site, or at home. If you’re ordering a home test kit on your fourth day of symptoms, you need to do so before 3pm.

If you’re on day five of symptoms, you need to go to a test site to get testing - it’s too late to order a home test kit at this point unfortunately.

You can also get a test for someone you live with if they have symptoms, however, do not get tests for people you live with who do not have symptoms.

Coronavirus test: how to book a Covid-19 test at a centre or at home - and when you’ll get your test results