Leeds Covid testing: The location of every coronavirus test centre, who is eligible and how to book

Doctors and NHS leaders have urged the public to remain “vigilant” against Covid-19 after pharmaceutical giant Pfizer announced it has made a coronavirus vaccine breakthrough.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the Pfizer vaccine news was a sign the “scientific cavalry” was on its way, but stressed it was “very, very early days”.

In Leeds, the average rate of Covid-19 infections in Leeds currently stands at 442.8 new cases per 100,000 people and is rising week-on-week

Anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus can get a free test to check if they have the virus and some people without symptoms may be asked to get tested by NHS Track & Trace.

If you think you have symptoms and need to get a test in Leeds, here's what you need to know:

Who can get tested?

Anyone who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild, can get tested.

The symptoms to look out for are:

- a high temperature

- a new, continuous cough

- a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell

If you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, you may be advised by NHS Track & Trace to get tested, even if you are not displaying symptoms.

When should I take a test?

You need to take the test within the first five days of developing symptoms for it to be effective.

Can I order a test to my home?

On days 1 to 4 of your symptoms, you can get tested at home. If you're ordering a home test kit on day 4, do it by 3pm.

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.

You can order a home test here.

What if I want to take the test in Leeds today?

If you wish to take a coronavirus test today, you will need to book an appointment at a Leeds test site.

On day five of your symptoms, you need to go to a test site. It's too late to order a home test kit.

There is a permanent drive-through coronavirus testing site at the Temple Green Park and Ride 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.

A mobile unit also travels Leeds so that you can be tested close to your home. When booking online, you will be shown the nearest test centre to your home.

Book an appointment here.

I don't have a car but I want to take a test today, can I go to a test centre?

There are now four walk-through test centres in Leeds, but you must book an appointment.

It's for people living or working within walking distance of:

- Bridge Street Community Centre, Rider Street, LS9 7BQ

- Gryphon Sports Centre, University of Leeds campus, Woodsley Road, LS2 9LZ

- Mandela Community Centre, Chapeltown Road, LS7 3HY

- Pudsey Civic Hall Car Park, Cote Lane, LS28 5ED

The locations have been chosen to make it easier for people without cars to get tested for Covid-19.

If you can't walk to a centre and don't have access to a car, you will need to book a home test.

When will I receive my results?

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.

The result came back negative - what should I do?

NHS guidance says 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

The result came back positive - what should I do?

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 10 days from when you had the test.

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 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.