Coronavirus: How can you book a test in the UK?

London: As of 24 April, key workers and their families can be tested for coronavirus.

The Department of Health and Social Care said testing these workers would allow them to return to work if their results were negative.

The Gov.uk website reads: ‘If you’re an essential worker who is self-isolating (not able to leave home), you can now apply for you and your household to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19).

‘If your test result turns out to be negative, you can safely return to work, as long as: you are well enough, you have not had a high temperature for 48 hours and anyone you live with also tests negative.

‘If your test result is positive, or someone you live with tests positive, you cannot return to work. You’ll need to continue to self-isolate.’

The Department of Health and Social Care launched this new web portal as a self-referral tool for essential workers and their families.

Key workers can select either a regional drive-through appointment or a home test kit – although the kits are limited, so the government is asking anyone able to travel to select the regional option, if possible.

The online portal requires a few personal details, such as name, mobile number and profession. Once the information is submitted, they will receive an email or a text inviting them to book a test.

They can then choose an appointment at their local drive-through test site – there are currently 42 operating in the UK.

How long does the coronavirus test take? Test results could return within the same working day, but the government’s goal is to have them back in one to two days. However, some people have allegedly had to wait longer.

The NHS has said the new testing push should both increase the volume of tests and decrease the time it takes them to come back.

The tests are done by taking a swab of the nose or throat, which is sent off to a lab to look for signs of the virus’s genetic material. This shows whether someone is infected or not.

Who can have a coronavirus test? As of last week, all essential workers in England and members of their households who are showing symptoms of coronavirus can be tested.

These key workers include NHS staff, care workers, supermarket workers, police and journalists.