Free, regular, rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for all

1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not experience any symptoms and may be spreading the virus without knowing.

Rapid testing can detect cases fast, meaning positive cases can isolate immediately.

Since the introduction of rapid testing, there has been over 120,000 positive cases identified.

Making rapid tests available to everyone mean the detection of more cases. This breaks the chains of transmission and saves lives.

How to get a rapid test

Getting a rapid test is quick and easy. The expanded regular rapid tests for people without symptoms can be accessed in the following ways:

 

Online ordering

Get tests delivered directly to your home. Do not order online if you can get a test through other methods. This frees up home delivery for those who need it most.)

Order rapid lateral flow home kits

Through your employer, if they offer testing to employees

Your workplace may offer rapid lateral flow testing to you. Contact your employer to find out more.  

Testing on-site at schools and colleges

Testing is available on school sites for staff and students and primary and secondary teachers, and secondary aged pupils will receive test kits directly from their schools.

What twice-weekly testing involves

You will be asked to:   

• take a test twice a week (3 or 4 days apart)  
• report all results to NHS Test and Trace online or by calling 119, on the same day you take the test.

If you test positive or get symptoms

You must self-isolate immediately and: 

• get a PCR test to confirm the result  
• follow the stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection

If you test negative

A negative result means the test did not find signs of coronavirus. But this does not guarantee you do not have coronavirus, so you should keep following all coronavirus advice including:   

• Hands - regular handwashing
• Face – wear a face covering inside premises or when you cannot keep your distance
• Space – stay 2 meters apart from other people
• Fresh Air – get as much fresh air in your indoor space as possible

Remember Hands Face Space Fresh Air

Why use rapid testing?

To help identify Barnet residents who are not showing symptoms of COVID-19 but are infected, we’ve introduced rapid testing. 

It takes approximately 30 minutes to receive the results of a rapid COVID-19 test. It can detect COVID-19 if you are infectious at the time the test is taken. The test cannot tell you if you have been infected in the past.

Your personal data

No one at the test site can view your personal details or your test results. Our privacy notice has more information on how we are processing personal data in relation to the pandemic.