COVID-19 Testing Site

Have COVID-19 symptoms?  Know how to book a test?

It is important to remember that if you or anyone you live with show coronavirus symptoms then you need to self-isolate and book yourself a test.

What symptoms should I have to book a test?

If you, or anyone you live with, show any one of these symptoms then you should self-isolate and book a test straight away;

• A high temperature
• A new, continuous cough
• Loss of taste or smell

You should book your test within the first five days of showing symptoms in order for your test result to be accurate.

Getting a quick result will also help you to know whether you need to continue self-isolating if you test positive or if you test negative, then you know you can safely continue with our new normal.

How can I book a test?

You are advised to book a test by either calling 119 or visiting the ‘Get a Coronavirus test’ Government web page.

Where is the Coronavirus (Covid-19) testing facility on the island?

The testing facility is based at Newclose County Cricket Club, Blackwater Road, Newport, PO30 3BE.

There is clear signage with parking arranged to segregate those attending for testing from those using the club house and cricket grounds.

People on the island should not travel to mainland testing sites when symptomatic, and that if the requesting system only offers them a mainland testing site, you should either try again the next day to book one on the Island, or order a postal test.

Once you have your appointment, you can arrive at the site either by car or on foot, and you will be provided you with a self-testing kit so you can take a swab.

You should get your results within 24 hours.

From Friday 8 January 2021, the island now has as a second temporary pop-up coronavirus mobile testing unit at 1Leisure Medina, Newport. It is open seven days a week, including Sundays, from 9.30am until 3pm. The site will be open for at least 3 weeks.

What does the test involve?

The test 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 (if you are aged 12 or over) or someone can do it for you. Parents or guardians have to swab test children aged 11 or under.

Getting a test for someone else

If other people you live with have symptoms, you can order tests for up to three of them. If you're applying for a test for someone else, and the person is aged 13 or over, check they're happy for you to get a test for them.

Can I stop self-isolating once I’ve had my test?

You should wait until you get your results before you stop self-isolating.

How soon do I get my results?

You'll get a text or email when your result is ready. Most people get their test results the day after taking the test. Some results might take longer, but you should get them in 72 hours.

There are three types of result you can get:

• negative
• positive
• unclear, void, borderline or inconclusive

If you do not get your result, call the coronavirus testing centre on 119 from 7am to 11pm.

What should I do if my test comes back positive?

A positive result means you had coronavirus when the test was done.

If your test is positive, you must self-isolate.

• If you had a test because you had symptoms, keep self-isolating for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started
• If you had a test but have not had symptoms, self-isolate for 7 days from when you had the test.

Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, must self-isolate for 14 days from when you start self-isolating.

What should I do if my test comes back negative?

A negative result means the test did not find coronavirus. You do not need to self-isolate if your test is negative, as long as:

• everyone you live with who has symptoms tests negative
• everyone in your support bubble who has symptoms tests negative
• you were not told to self-isolate for 14 days by NHS Test and Trace
• you feel well – if you feel unwell, stay at home until you’re feeling better

What should I do if my test comes back unclear, void, borderline or inconclusive test result?

An unclear, void, borderline or inconclusive result means it's not possible to say if you had coronavirus when the test was done.

Get another coronavirus test as soon as possible if this happens.

If you had a test because you had symptoms, you must keep self-isolating and have another test within 5 days of your symptoms starting.