NHS explains what you need to do if you can’t get a PCR test

The NHS has issued guidance and advice for those struggling to obtain a PCR test amid the national shortage.

Pharmacies across England have been reporting mass shortages as they struggle to keep up with the high demand ahead of the New Year, and have been unable to receive additional kits as the supply chain continues to be disrupted by the Christmas and Boxing Day holidays.

Current NHS guidelines say you must take a PCR test if you are in close contact of someone testing positive for Covid, if you have symptoms or if you have tested positive on a lateral flow test.

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Boris Johnson has also urged people to get tested ahead of their New Year celebrations, with him yesterday telling reporters at a vaccination centre that the public should enjoy the event ‘in a cautious and sensible way’.

However, amid the national shortage, many have been left feeling unsure what to do if they’re unable to get a PCR test.

In response, the NHS has issued the following guidance for those struggling to get tested.

What can you do if there are no available PCR tests in your area?

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The first thing the NHS recommends you do in the event of no available PCR tests is to keep checking their website, as more tests may become available later in the day.

If this doesn’t happen, then you must self isolate until you are able to get results from a test if you have symptoms or have tested positive on a lateral flow test.

The NHS website says you must self isolate and await a negative PCR result if you have a high temperature, a new and contagious cough, and a loss or change to your sense of smell and taste.

You must also isolate if you test positive for Covid or if you’ve been told to isolate following contact with someone who tested positive.

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If you live with someone who has tested positive and are double vaccinated, under the age of eighteen, or are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons, you don’t have to isolate.

The NHS website recommends that if you’ve come into contact with someone who tested positive, you should do daily rapid lateral flow tests (one a day for seven days), if you’re fully vaccinated.

It also recommends following Government advice and limiting your close contacts.

For more information and advice, head over to the Gov.uk website.