Regular rapid lateral flow testing for COVID-19
Everyone over the age of 18 who is living in England has been encouraged by government to access twice weekly COVID-19 testing in order to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms. Rapid lateral flow tests help to find cases in people who may have no symptoms but are still infectious and can give the virus to others. The test usually involves taking a sample from your tonsils (or where they would have been) and from your nose, using a swab. You can get a result in 30 minutes.
How to access regular testing on Scilly
If you are symptom-free, have not been asked to self-isolate, and are not already accessing regular testing via your workplace or place of education, you can access rapid lateral flow testing in the following ways:
- Via the islands' community rapid lateral flow test collection site. The community testing site for the islands is located in the Town Hall and can be accessed via the rear of the building. The testing team is available there between 9am and 11am, Monday - Friday. You can either knock on the door at the back of the Town Hall during these hours and wait to collect a test (please allow some time for the team to prepare and come to the door), or you can email keepscillysafe@scilly.gov.uk to book an appointment to collect a test. If you are unsure about how to carry out a test or want some support then this route is your best option, as you can do a supported test at the testing site. Please email to book a slot if you would like to do a supported test.
- Via government’s home testing website. You can order tests to arrive at your house by post. Your tests should arrive within a couple of days. Testing involves swabbing your nose and throat. All the instructions will be in the packaging.
In line with the rollout of this kind of testing nationally, St Mary’s Pharmacy has made arrangements in order to become a rapid lateral flow test collection site. They will make an announcement on their Facebook page as soon as they have an update for the community on this subject.
If you are a visitor to the islands
In line with current government advice, visitors are encouraged to continue regular rapid testing whilst on the islands. You may wish to take a lateral flow test before travelling and bring a supply with you to the islands. If you are unable to bring a supply with you, you are welcome to collect rapid tests whilst on the islands to help keep our community safe.
What to do when you have your rapid lateral flow test result
In accordance with the instructions on the packaging, you must report the result of every rapid lateral flow test you take (including negative results), as soon as possible after you get the result. You can report your result here: https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result
Additionally, if your rapid test result is positive, you must:
- Self-isolate immediately. If you need support to self-isolate, please contact keepscillysafe@scilly.gov.uk.
- Call our Testing Helpline on 01626 204950 or email d-ccg.devoncovid19testing@nhs.net to access a PCR (lab tested) test to confirm the result.
IMPORTANT: Do not use a rapid lateral flow test if you have coronavirus symptoms!
You should not access lateral flow testing if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of coronavirus, or if you have been asked to self-isolate. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of coronavirus, you must always:
- Stay indoors and self-isolate. If you need support to self-isolate, please contact keepscillysafe@scilly.gov.uk.
- Arrange for a PCR test as soon as possible by calling our Testing Helpline on 01626 204950 or emailing d-ccg.devoncovid19testing@nhs.net
You can find out more about PCR testing on Scilly on the Council website.
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 (at least 2 meters from anyone not in your household or support bubble) and let fresh air into enclosed spaces. The guidance on how to stop the spread of coronavirus has been recently updated, so please make sure you read it in full.
Further information
If you have any questions relating to testing or other coronavirus arrangements on the islands at any time, please do not hesitate to contact keepscillysafe@scilly.gov.uk.