How regular, rapid testing can stop COVID-19 spreading

15 March 2021, 16:29

Around 1 in 3 people who have COVID-19 have no symptoms and are spreading it without knowing.
Around 1 in 3 people who have COVID-19 have no symptoms and are spreading it without knowing. Picture: NHS

Around 1 in 3 people who have COVID-19 have no symptoms - by having rapid tests twice a week, the public can help stop the spread of the virus.

Why is regular, rapid testing being introduced?

Around 1 in 3 people who have COVID-19 have no symptoms and are spreading it without knowing.

This means that regular, rapid testing twice a week can play a critical role in helping to keep family, friends and colleagues safe.

With schools re-opening, twice-weekly rapid testing will help stop the virus spreading. This will allow us to get life moving again.

Rapid tests are free and the results can be seen in around 30 minutes.
Rapid tests are free and the results can be seen in around 30 minutes. Picture: NHS

Who is eligible for a test?

Regular rapid testing is now available to parents and support bubbles of nursery, school children and college students.

As the weeks go by, rapid tests will be available to more people when restrictions are lifted further. Groups such as shop workers or those in the hospitality industry will be able to get a quick and easy test.

Get your free, rapid tests here

With schools re-opening, regular, rapid testing will help stop the virus spreading.
With schools re-opening, regular, rapid testing will help stop the virus spreading. Picture: NHS

How do you get a test?

Rapid tests are free, easy to get and easy to do and the results can be seen in around 30 minutes.

Get tests from your local test sites, online or at work, where available.

Get your free, rapid tests here

Millions of people are already regularly testing
Millions of people are already regularly testing. Picture: NHS