Getting tested for COVID-19

You may need to get tested if you have symptoms that could be due to COVID-19. You should do this even if you have been vaccinated.

You need to get tested if any of the following are true:

• You work in healthcare, medical care or elderly care.
• You live in a nursing home or receive home care services.
• A doctor or nurse asks you to get tested.

You can get COVID-19 more than once. But you usually do not have to get tested if you have had COVID-19 at any time in the last three months.

The most common test is called a PCR test.

The sample for the test can be collected by any healthcare professional. Sometimes, you can collect the sample and test yourself. If this is the case, you will get more information about what you need to do.

Stay home until you get your results

It is important that you stay home until you get your test results.

There are other tests, such as antigen tests. These are also called rapid tests, and can be purchased at a pharmacy.

You do not have to buy an antigen test if you do not want to.

A sample is taken with a special swab in your nose, your throat or both.

It may feel strange, but it does not hurt.

Stay home if you feel sick, even if your test results show that you do not have COVID-19. Stay home until you are feeling healthy again.

If you have COVID-19

If the PCR test results show that you have COVID-19, stay at home until you are no longer contagious. You are no longer contagious when all of the following apply:

• You are feeling a lot better.
• You have been fever-free for two days.
• At least seven days have passed since you became ill.

You do not need a new test to find out whether you are still contagious.

Read more in the text called Advice if you have COVID-19.

Call 08-123 680 00 if you have any questions about COVID-19 and want to talk to someone who speaks English. The phone line is open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 15:00.