Covid Testing

COVID-19 Testing

Get Tested

Testing is a key part of the national COVID-19 response. Used alongside contact tracing and the NHS COVID-19 app it will help us understand how the virus is spreading so that we can respond to quickly stop it spreading further and save lives. To find out more about the NHS COVID-19 app and ensure you are doing your part to help protect your friends, your family and the community click here - NHS COVID-19 app

Don't guess, get a test

 

Where can you get tested?

Depending on availability, you may be offered a test at:

  • a local mobile testing site. Locations vary each week. Check current locations.
  • one of the national testing centres, in Stansted or Ipswich
  • A postal test
  • A Lateral Flow Test LFT (locations to be confirmed)

If you live in Essex and have symptoms of coronavirus you can get a test. You can book a test on GOV.UK or call 119.

Where can you get tested?

Testing centres are run by the NHS and Ministry of Defence.

They may offer you a test centre, depending on availability, at:

  • one of the national testing centres, in Stansted or Ipswich
  • or at local mobile testing site. The NHS provide us with locations on a weekly basis for the week ahead. Check current locations.

If you’re unable to visit a test centre

You may be able to book a home test on GOV.UK if you meet the eligibility criteria.

What happens if I test positive?

If you test positive, you will be asked to self-isolate. Find out what you must do and how to get support if you are self isolating.

What happens if I test negative?

You must remember to continue to follow guidance on social distancing, keep 2m from other people, and remember – Hands Face Space.

Testing in Castle Point

The nearest designated Mobile Testing Units for Castle Point are currently located at The Paddocks, Canvey Island and Woodside, Benfleet.  Both sites are being well-used. Visit the ECC COVID-19 testing page which is updated regularly

These designated mobile testing sites are currently located at The Paddocks 7 days per week and on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at Woodside Hall.  The frequency can vary each week.  To assist with this we ask patrons of the sites are being asked to avoid using the car parks being used during occupancy of the Mobile Testing Units.

A collect and drop off-centre is being provided at the Castle Point Borough Council Offices, Kiln Road where residents who do not have Covid symptoms or who are not a known contact of people  with symptoms can visit to collect a test to carry out at home.  These tests are specifically for people aged between 11-18 and their families.

If you don't have symptoms... 

Free rapid COVID-19 tests

Why should I get tested?

You may be unaware you have coronavirus if you are showing no symptoms. And you could, unknowingly, be passing it on to family, friends and loved ones. The more of us that get tested, the quicker we can stop the spread.

What is a lateral flow test (LFT)?

A lateral flow test (LFT) allows people who have no symptoms to find out if they are infected, but not know it yet. It's a rapid test, and you can get a result within 20-30 minutes.

How can I get tested?

LFD tests can be taken in two ways:

  • An assisted test is where the person takes the test themselves under the supervision of a trained operator. The operator processes the test, reads and reports the result.
  • A home (self-reported) test is where a person takes the test by themselves and reads and reports their own result.

Where can I get tested?

Book a test online at one of our test centres

To book a test online at one of our test centres, please visit: https://www.essex.gov.uk/getting-tested-for-covid-19/lateral-flow-test-centres. 

Pick up self test kits from one of our collection points

Covid-19 self-test kits are available for collection across Essex, making testing even more accessible and convenient.

The libraries in Castle Point that will be offering pick up and take-home tests are:

  • Canvey Island Library, High Street, Canvey Island.
  • Hadleigh Library,180 London Road, Hadleigh.
  • South Benfleet Library, 264 High Road, South Benfleet.

Residents, who do NOT have Covid-19 symptoms, will be able to collect and take away two boxes of seven tests, to undertake regular twice weekly testing at home to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Demand is very high in some areas. Please check our Covid-19 test collection site map for availability, opening times and locations before your visit. To use the map, type in your postcode, then click on 'Filter.' Choose 'Pick up sites for test kits' then 'Apply filter' then close the filter side panel.

You must record your test results. Follow the instructions in the test kit or record it on the NHS Covid-19 App. You can also call 119 to report it.

Note: These tests are only for people who don't have symptoms. If you have symptoms, you need to book a test on GOV.UK or call 119. Also, you shouldn't get a test if you have recently received a positive test.

What if your assisted LFD test result is positive?

If your LFD was an assisted test, you must self-isolate immediately. You could be fined if you do not do this. You may be entitled to a one-off payment of £500 through the NHS Test and Trace Support Payment scheme if you are required to self-isolate.

You should also take a follow-up PCR test as soon as possible. If you fail to take one within the next 2 days, you and your contacts may need to isolate for the full 10 days whatever the follow-up result. Whilst waiting for your follow-up PCR test result you and your household members should follow this guidance.

If you take the PCR test within 2 days of the LFD and receive a negative result, you and your household can stop self-isolating. However, you and your household must continue to self-isolate if:

  • this PCR test result is positive
  • you choose not to take a follow-up PCR test
  • you receive a negative PCR test result but the test was taken more than 2 days after the LFD

It is important to book your follow-up PCR test as soon as you can following your positive LFD result.

Find out what you must do and how to get support if you are self isolating.

What if your home (self-reported) LFD test result is positive?

If your LFD was taken at home (self-reported), you should self-isolate immediately. You and your household members should follow all this guidance. You should also arrange to have a follow-up PCR test as soon as possible. If the follow-up PCR test result is negative, you and your household contacts can stop self-isolating.

Find out what you must do and how to get support if you are self isolating.

If your assisted LFD test or home (self-reported) LFD test result is negative

You must remember to continue to follow guidance on social distancing, keep 2m from other people, and remember – Hands Face Space.
If, at any time, you have coronavirus symptoms please refer to NHS guidance .

What if your home (self-reported) LFD test is invalid?

If your test is invalid, you can retake a test.

 

Self Isolation and Testing

If you are told to self-isolate, you must do so. You may face a fine of £1,000 if you do not, or up to £10,000 for repeat offences or serious breaches of the rules. If you cannot work from home and you have lost income as a result, you may be eligible for a £500 Support Payment.

You may be eligible for the NHS test and trace support payment scheme of £500 (GOV.UK) . If you are not eligible for that you may be eligible for a discretionary payment of £500. Details of both are set out below.

 

Self Isolation

Self-isolate immediately if:

The period of self isolation is 10 days for those confirmed to have coronavirus and also 10 days for all others. This is a legal requirement and you could be fined for not self-isolating when you have been told to do so. Details of the rules on self isolation are available from the NHS

 

Test and Trace Support Payment

A new package to support and enforce self isolation has been announced by the government. People will be required by law to self-isolate from 28 September, supported by payment of £500 for those on lower incomes who cannot work from home and have lost income as a result. Find out if you are eligible for a Test and Trace Support Payment.

 

Register to order coronavirus tests for your employees

If your business is registered in England, employs 50 people or more and your employees cannot work from home, you can order workplace tests to detect coronavirus in people who are not showing symptoms.

To register to order coronavirus tests for your employees, please visit the online portal at: https://www.gov.uk/get-workplace-coronavirus-tests.

Use this service to get the forms you need to order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests for your employees. Do not use this service if you or your employees have symptoms. Anyone with symptoms should order an individual test and stay at home.