COVID-19 testing

Changes to testing for COVID-19

Free testing for COVID-19 from the NHS has ended for most people in England. Free testing services have closed at:

• pharmacies
• test sites
• community collection points such as libraries
• schools, nurseries and universities

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What you can do instead of testing

Most people in England are no longer advised to get tested for COVID-19.

Find out:

• what to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19 (external link)
• what to do if you've been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 (external link)
• how to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19 (external link)

If you still want to get tested and you're not eligible for a free NHS test, you must pay for a COVID-19 test yourself.

You can buy a COVID-19 test from some pharmacies and retailers, in person or online.

Do not call 119, as you will not be able to get a test this way. You cannot order tests from NHS 111 or 999.

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Who can get free NHS COVID-19 tests

There are a small number of people who will still be able to get free COVID-19 tests from the NHS.

You have a health condition which means you're eligible for new COVID-19 treatments

If you have a health condition which means you're eligible for new COVID-19 treatments, you should be sent a COVID-19 test to use if you have symptoms.

You can order free NHS tests yourself if you have not received any tests yet or have used the tests you've been sent.

• Find out more about testing guidance and new COVID-19 treatments (external link)

You're going into hospital for surgery or a procedure

You may need to get tested if you're due to have surgery or a procedure.

Your hospital will tell you how to get a test. Contact your hospital department if you have any questions.

You work in the NHS or in social care

You are eligible for free tests if you're:

• NHS patient-facing staff
• staff who deliver NHS services through an independent healthcare provider, and have direct contact with NHS patients
• a social worker
• a personal assistant
• a Shared Lives carer
• a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspector

If you work in care homes, domiciliary care, extra care and supported living services, and adult daycare centres, you can also get free NHS tests. Find out more about free NHS tests if you work in adult social care on GOV.UK (external link)

Order a free NHS COVID-19 test if you're eligible GOV.UK (external link)

You can get free NHS test kits sent to your home.

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