Coronavirus testing near me: can I get tested for Covid-19 in the Leeds area?

Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus can now get tested, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced
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If you think you have symptoms and want to find out where you can get tested in the Leeds area, here’s everything you need to know.

Who can be tested?

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced that anyone with in the UK with symptoms of coronavirus can now be tested. Prior to this, testing was limited to anyone over the age of five and before this, testing in England and Scotland has previously been limited to people with symptoms who are key workers and their families, hospital patients, care home residents, over-65s and those who need to leave home to work.

Coronavirus cases in the UK are continuing to rise, but what is the current advice for what to do if you think you have the virus, and can you get tested for it in Leeds?Coronavirus cases in the UK are continuing to rise, but what is the current advice for what to do if you think you have the virus, and can you get tested for it in Leeds?
Coronavirus cases in the UK are continuing to rise, but what is the current advice for what to do if you think you have the virus, and can you get tested for it in Leeds?
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In Northern Ireland and Wales, testing was just for key workers, hospital workers and care home residents.

When is testing most effective?

The test is only guaranteed to be accurate if someone is symptomatic.

The government advises that you should get tested in the first three days of coronavirus symptoms appearing, although testing is considered effective up until day five.

These are the symptoms of coronavirus (Photo: WHO)These are the symptoms of coronavirus (Photo: WHO)
These are the symptoms of coronavirus (Photo: WHO)

How do I arrange a test?

The NHS explains that, 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)

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for someone you live with, if they have coronavirus symptoms

For further information, visit the NHS website or Gov.uk

What does the test involve?

The NHS notes, “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.”

Where are the test centres in Leeds?

There is a a drive-through coronavirus testing site at a 'park and ride' facility in at the Temple Green site in Leeds. The Temple Green centre features up to five drive-through lanes, which are currently open from 10am to 5pm, but are on an appointment-only basis.

The samples collected at the site will be analysed in laboratories set up in Milton Keynes, Alderley Park and Glasgow.