Free tests for COVID-19 ended for most people in England on 31 March 2022.
Getting tested for coronavirus in Portsmouth
What to do if you have symptoms
Anyone, including children, with symptoms of coronavirus should avoid contact with others.
From 1 April, updated guidance advises people with symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19, and a high temperature or who feel unwell, to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people, until they feel well enough to resume normal activities and they no longer have a high temperature.
From 1 April, anyone with a positive COVID-19 test result is advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days, which is when they are most infectious.
What to do if you are a close contact of a positive case
If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, you are no longer required to self-isolate – even if you have not been vaccinated.
Close contacts who are fully vaccinated are no longer asked to test daily for seven days.
It’s really important that we all continue to follow coronavirus safety advice to keep ourselves and others safe.
Testing when you don't have symptoms
Lateral flow testing options for Portsmouth residents when you don’t have symptoms:
- From 1 April until 30 June, collect up to one box of five free lateral flow tests per household each month from one of ten collection points across Portsmouth, while stocks last. You will be asked to show proof that you live at a Portsmouth address (postcodes PO1 – PO6) when you come to collect. Learn more about how to collect your free tests.
- You can purchase tests from pharmacies and online. The government has a list of private test providers.
Read more about collecting free lateral flow tests from 1 April if you are a resident in Portsmouth.
Who is still eligible for a free NHS COVID-19 test
There are a small number of people who will still be able to get free COVID-19 tests from the NHS:
- If you have a health condition which means you’re eligible for new COVID-19 treatments
- If you’re going into hospital for surgery or a procedure
- If you work in the NHS or in social care
If you are using NHS test kits, you should continue to report your results. Reporting your results (even if they are negative) helps monitor levels of infection in the community and helps early detection of new variants. If you are eligible for free NHS tests, do not use tests you have bought or received privately as your results cannot be recorded.
Learn more about who is eligible for NHS COVID-19 tests on the NHS website.