1. Public Health and wellbeing
  2. Health protection information
  3. Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 testing

Anyone with coronavirus symptoms should self-isolate and get tested now, so we can control the virus and protect each other.

See guide on how to isolate at home safely (pdf, 566 KB).

The symptoms of coronavirus are:

  • A high temperature
  • A new continuous cough
  • Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

When to book a test

People with symptoms absolutely must come forward to get a test as this will help us stop the spread of the virus. However, as the NHS manages this period of high demand, it is especially important that if individuals do not have symptoms, and have not specifically been advised to take a test, they should not apply for a test because they could be taking a test away from someone who really needs it.

How to book a test

If you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19

You can book a test by visiting Visit nhs.uk/coronavirus or call NHS on 119 to get a test.

There are two ways that you can get tested to confirm if you currently have coronavirus and both are provided free of charge. The test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat, which can be done by the person themselves (self-administered) or by someone else (assisted).

This can be done:

Driving to a regional or mobile drive-through test site

There is a testing centre at Twickenham Stadium, regular testing available at Old Deer Park in Richmond and an additional walk-in testing site at the St Mary’s University Broom Road sports campus in Teddington. When you book a test you will be given the option of a test centre based on nearest location to you and availability.

Watch a YouTube video explaining the process for drive-through testing.

Requesting a home-testing kit

Watch a YouTube tutorial supporting the instructions on your home-testing kit.

British Sign Language NHS Facebook page video explaining Test and Trace.

If you are NOT displaying symptoms of COVID-19 and would still like a test

As part of the Government’s COVID-19 testing programme, Richmond Council has been selected as two of the 76 pilot sites for targeted lateral flow/asymptomatic testing. This new test is specifically for those people who are not displaying any COVID-19 symptoms and provides rapid results within 30 minutes. It does not require a laboratory.

Over the past few weeks, residents in those wards with the highest rates of new cases of COVID-19 were able to have a test. Now, the Council is expanding this offer - particularly to essential workers, including those who work in supermarkets, taxi or mini cab drivers, transport staff, those who work in key public services, schools or in faith-based organisations. In addition, residents who are volunteering or providing care for a vulnerable person can also apply. 

Test numbers are limited each day.

Visit Book a lateral flow test to book your test of for further information.  

This programme of testing will be further expanded to other local wards in the coming weeks. Residents will be advised via the Council’s website, social media, e-newsletter and postal letter when they can apply.

Should I buy a home-testing kit online?

Some manufacturers are selling products containing COVID-19 testing kits that allow a swab or other type of sample to be taken at home or in the pharmacy setting, followed by a very rapid result within about ten minutes.

The current Government view is that use of products that give a very rapid result is not advised because there is little information on the accuracy of these tests, and no published evidence about the suitability of these tests for diagnosing COVID-19 infections.

For more information, see Government guidance on the rapid point of care tests.

Receiving your results

Symptomatic Testing (i.e. with symptoms)

Whether you visit a testing site or use a home-testing kit, you will receive advice on what to do in order to obtain your test results. Results will be sent out by text within 48 hours from a testing site, and within 72 hours of collection of a home test.

If you or your household member tested positive, you should all continue to follow the Government's stay at home guidance.

Asymptomatic Testing (i.e. a rapid flow test for those without symptoms)

Results will be sent to you via text message and/or email using contact details recorded at the registration or check-in process. The results will be communicated within a day of the test. 

NHS COVID-19 App

Anyone who has symptoms can book a test by visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus or call NHS on 119 to get a test. From Thursday 24 September, a new NHS COVID-19 app will be launching. 

NHS Test and Trace: Protecting each other if you test positive

NHS Test and Trace ensures that we can protect each other by helping to identify, contain and control the spread of the virus.

Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to share information about their recent interactions. This could include household members, people with whom they have been in direct contact, or within two metres for more than 15 minutes.

What happens if I get alerted by NHS Test and Trace?

You may be alerted by NHS Test and Trace if you have been in close contact with someone who tests positive for coronavirus. What you need to do next is:

  • Isolate - You will need to isolate for 14 days after close contact.
  • Symptoms? Book a test - If you develop symptoms you will need to book a test and members of your household isolate for 14 days.
  • Positive result? - You begin new 10-day isolation and household completes their 14-day isolation.
  • Negative result? - Your household stops isolating immediately. You need to complete your 14-day isolation.

We are supporting the NHS Test and Trace Programme with local case tracing. This means that if you test positive for COVID-19 and the NHS Test and Trace team do not get hold of you in the first 24 hours, your details will be passed on for our Regulatory Services team to make contact with you. 

Find out more

Up to: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Updated: 27 January 2021