Help & Support
Last update: 2020-05-26Testing for Covid-19 for Essential Workers
Use this service to apply for a coronavirus (COVID-19) test if you have symptoms and you:
- are an essential worker
- live with an essential worker
There’s a different way to ask for a test if you’re not an essential worker or do not live with one (on the NHS website).
Coronavirus symptoms are:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss of or change to your sense of smell or taste
This test can tell you if you have coronavirus at the time the swab sample is taken. The test to tell if you’ve ever had coronavirus (‘antibody test’) is not available yet.
When to apply for a test
Apply within the first 3 days of having symptoms. The test is best taken within 5 days of symptoms starting.
Testing for Covid-19 for Non-Essential Workers
If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), you can ask for a test to check if you have the virus. This is called an antigen test.
Information:
If you need medical advice about your symptoms:
England: NHS 111 online coronavirus service
Who can ask for a test
You can ask for a test:
- for yourself, if you have coronavirus symptoms now (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
- for someone you live with, if they have coronavirus symptoms
This service is for people in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The tests are not suitable for children under 5 years old.
If you're asking for a test for someone else and the person is aged 13 or over, check they're happy for you to ask for a test for them.
Important
Please help the NHS and only ask for a test if you or someone you live with has symptoms now.
When to ask for a test
You need to have the test in the first 5 days of having symptoms.
It's best to ask for the test in the first 3 days, as it may take a day or two to arrange.
What the test involves
The test usually involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud.
You can do the swab yourself or someone can do it for you.
Support for Victims of Domestic & Sexual Abuse during Covid-19
For advice, help & support out of hours or for specific needs:
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline Freephone 24hr 02394 216 816. Online support: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Contact-us
- Rape Crisis National Helpline 0808 802 9999 12.00 -14.30 and 19.00 – 21.30 every day. Online support: www.rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/want-to-talk
- LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428
- Men’s Advice Line for male victims of domestic abuse: 0808 801 0327 or www.mensadviceline.org.uk
- The Mix, free remote counselling and help for under 25’s: 0808 808 4994
- Rights of Women legal advice lines: www.rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-advice/advice-lines
- For domestic abuse perpetrators and those supporting them Respect Phone line provides a confidential helpline, email and webchat service: 0808 8024040 or www.respectphoneline.org.uk
- Childline - call 0800 1111 or access online: https://www.childline.org.uk
Useful Resources
| Name | |
|---|---|
| OMG DA during covid.docx.pdf | Download |
Statement from the Solent NHS Trust Public Nursing Team (26th May 2020)
Portsmouth School Nursing Service continues to provide non-emergency health related advice and support, e.g. sleep, bed wetting, healthy weight, soiling, emotional health and well-being, additional and long term health conditions.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of your child’s health or development then please contact us by
Telephone - 03001236629 or Text us on 07491163276
Statement from the Solent NHS Trust Public Nursing Team (7th April 2020)
Due to Coronavirus our immunisation programme is currently postponed . Once the Government reinstates school attendance for all, we will be rearranging any sessions that have been delayed. We will, of course, be reviewing this situation in line with Government guidance and recommendations. If you have any questions please contact us via: snhs.childrensimmunisationteam@nhs.net
