Testing for coronavirus
Information correct as of 20 September 2021
Get a free PCR test to check if you have coronavirus
If you have any of these three main coronavirus (Covid-19) symptoms, even if mild, you should get a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test as soon as possible:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- you’ve lost your sense of smell or taste or it’s changed
You can also get a test to check if you have coronavirus if:
- You’ve been asked to get a test by a local council or someone from NHS Test and Trace
- You’re taking part in a government pilot project
- You’ve been asked to get a test to confirm a positive result
- You’ve received an unclear result and were told to get a second test
- You need to get a test for someone you live with who has symptoms
- You’re in the National Tactical Response Group
You can order a PCR test kit to be sent to your home or book an appointment at a walk-in or drive-through test site.
If you have symptoms, self-isolate straight away until you get your results.
Do not leave home, except to post a test kit or for a PCR test appointment. Check if the people you live with need to self-isolate on NHS.UK.
How to book a test
There are two ways of getting a test. You can:
- Book an appointment at a local drive-through or walk through test site. You must book a test before you visit any test site.
- Or ask for a home test kit which will be delivered to your home. This needs to be done and returned within 48 hours.
Book a test or ask for a home test kit via the NHS Website.
If you are eligible for testing but don't have internet, you can call 119. The Testing Call Centre is open from 7am to 11pm and can be accessed by people with speech or language difficulties as well as by people whose first language isn't English.
If you receive a positive antibody result it does not mean that you’re immune, or that you cannot pass on the virus to others. It also does not mean that you can ignore social distancing measures.
Getting a rapid lateral flow test if you have no symptoms
Everyone in Cambridgeshire can now get free, regular rapid lateral flow tests to check they don't have coronavirus.
And all local people without symptoms are being urged to take two tests a week to help keep cases low and protect the people in their community.
They give a quick result using a device similar to a pregnancy test
One in three people with Covid-19 don't have any symptoms and can spread the virus without knowing.
Where to get the rapid tests
You can get tested at council-run community testing sites or collect home-testing kits from pharmacies and NHS Test and Trace sites. Or order online for home delivery.
Workplaces, schools and colleges are also testing on site.
If you test at home
You must register your results online or by calling 119.
If the result is positive you and anyone you live with should self-isolate immediately and you must also get a second, lab, test to confirm the result.
More information
Full details of local testing sites, how to book a test, take one at home, order testing kits and questions and answers on rapid testing are on Cambridgeshire County Council’s website below.
Antibody testing
An antibody test is a blood test to check if you’ve had coronavirus (Covid-19) before or been vaccinated.
This test does not say if you currently have Covid-19. And is only available to certain groups.
People booking a PCR test for Covid-19 will be given the option to take part in antibody testing. Up to 8,000 people a day will get the opportunity to be tested.
You can also register for a free antibody test if you:
- you’re 18 or over and you work in paid adult social care.
- you're taking part in research into antibody levels
If you receive a positive antibody result it does not mean that you’re immune, or that you cannot pass on the virus to others. It also does not mean that you can ignore social distancing measures.
Test and Trace service
Find out about what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive.
Read more on the government website
Local contact tracing
Peterborough City Council working closely with NHS Test and Trace to contact people who have tested positive for Covid-19, giving them help, advice and support to self-isolate, in a further bid to crack down on the pandemic.
Anyone who is concerned by being contacted can call the council or local community hub to check the identity of the tracer on 0345 045 5219.
Read more on Peterborough City Council's website
Test and Trace support payment
A one-off £500 support payment is offered to some people on lower incomes to help make up for any lost pay due to staying home to self isolate.
From 16th August 2021, fully-vaccinated adults and children under 18 years 6 months no longer need to isolate if they are identified as a close contact of someone who has tested postive for Covid-19.
Although you’ll still need to take a PCR test and self-isolate if it’s positive, or if you have symptoms.
So if you are exempt and are notified on or after 16th August 2021, you will not be eligible for the self-isolation support payment.
Read more about the payment scheme - extended until March 2022 - and how to apply on the Peterborough City Council website.
Not eligible? Apply to the County Hub
If you are not eligible for the payment, you may be able to get financial support from a local discretionary fund.
In addition, the Peterborough Support Hub can help with you with grocery shopping, medicine collection, dog walking, befriending services and in many other ways.
Call the Hub on 01733 747474 and they will work with you to make sure that you have the support you need to self-isolate safely.
Use the I need help form on the council website https://cambridgeshire-self.achieveservice.com/service/Covid19_Reaching_Out
Tell us about your experience of care
NHS and social care staff are doing everything they can to keep us well during these challenging times, but there may be things that could be improved.
Your feedback can help services spot issues that are affecting care for you and your loved ones.
NHS Covid-19 App
This smartphone app is now available to download. It uses Apple and Google's automated contact-tracing technology.
The app has a number of tools to protect you, including contact tracing, information on local area restrictions and venue check-ins.
More details: https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/
Where to get a private Covid test
The Department of Health and Social Care has a list of private (non-NHS) providers that can carry out tests to detect if you have coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
You must pay for these tests yourself.
These providers – listed in alphabetical order – have declared that they meet the Government’s minimum standards for providers.
However, they not endorsed or recommended by the Government and you should research them yourself.
There are two lists:
- Test to Release for international travel
- Domestic Covid-19 testing
Find out more
Peterborough City Council have published some useful information about how Test and Trace works locally. And what their plan is to manage local outbreaks of Covid-19.
