Members of a household (family bubble) who have school-age children, who do not have symptoms, can access regular, rapid coronavirus testing for adults to test themselves at home on a twice-weekly basis. This includes childcare and support bubbles. Undertaking regular, rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing helps reduce transmission of the virus.
Tests are fast, easy and completely free. There are different ways for a household, childcare or support bubble to take an asymptomatic test, twice-weekly.
Testing is voluntary, but strongly recommended to all who are eligible, although this does not include children at nursery or primary schools. Alongside the vaccine, washing hands, wearing face coverings, and maintaining social distancing, rapid testing plays a vital role in reducing transmission rates. Getting into the habit of regular testing as part of our everyday lives will help us all to play our part and do what we can to protect each other.
This home testing is to identify those people who have the virus but do not have any symptoms. If you or any member of your household has symptoms which you think could be COVID-19 you should go for a PCR test at a registered testing centre and not rely on the results of the LFD home testing kit.
Q and A on Lateral Flow Device testing
Where can I collect a home test kit in Portsmouth?
In Portsmouth, LFD tests for use at home can currently be collected (in packs of 7 test kits) between 1.30pm and 7.00pm from Eldon Car Park, Southsea, PO1 2DJ and between 1.30pm and 7.00pm Unit 9, North Harbour Road, Cosham, PO6 3TL, with two packs being given out per person. Both sites are giving out tests for collection and use at home seven days per week. No ID is needed, and there is no need to book an appointment.
Who should use the tests?
These community tests are provided for adult members of the household only. It is really important to note that Public Health England advice is that primary age children (and younger children) should not be part of the regular asymptomatic testing programme. Secondary age pupils will receive tests from their school.
LFD tests for use at home are intended for asymptomatic testing only. Anyone in the household, including children, experiencing possible symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss of sense of taste or smell), should book a PCR test via the government website.
What to do if an LFD test is positive
Parents must inform the school where any member of the household tests positive using an LFD test, and the whole household should immediately begin a 10 day self-isolation period.
Positive results from LFD tests used at home should be followed up with a PCR test. Self-isolation begins with the positive LFD test - families should not wait for the PCR test to begin self-isolation. If the subsequent PCR test is negative, the self-isolation can end.
What happens if I have had Covid before, or have had a vaccination?
LFD tests should not be used within 90 days of a positive PCR test. If you get a new set of coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms within those 90 days, you will need to self-isolate again for 10 days and get a new test.
LFD tests can and should be used by anyone who has received either one or two doses of the vaccine. The vaccination will not affect either an LFD or PCR test result. It is still important to follow hands, face, space and other prevention advice following vaccination as it is still possible to get COVID-19 and pass it to others.
To keep up-to-date with information about testing in Portsmouth, search "testing" on www.portsmouth.gov.uk