When to get a test
If you DO have COVID-19 symptoms
If you start to display any of the symptoms of COVID-19 such as a:
- new and continuous cough
- high temperature
- loss of, or change to, your sense of taste or smell
it’s vital that you arrange a test as soon as possible.
Book a free NHS test now or call 119.
You can book a visit to a test site to have the test or order a home test kit if you cannot get to a test site. You’ll be told when booking your test where your nearest centre is.
We have produced a map to show where the various types of test sites are located in Devon.
If you DO NOT have COVID-19 symptoms
Why you should think about getting a test
About 1 in 3 people with coronavirus do not have symptoms but can still pass it on to others. Regular testing of people without symptoms is important to help stop the virus from spreading and protect your loved ones. As lockdown restrictions gradually ease we all need to play our part to help protect each other.
We’ve provided some more details about lateral flow testing to help explain what the tests are and how they work.
How to get a test
Tests are available from a range of locations delivered by the Devon County Council Community Testing Service.
At present these tests do not need to be booked in advance.
This service is for:
- anyone whose job or volunteering work requires them to leave the house and be in contact with others
- anyone who cares for others, either paid or voluntary
- members of a household, childcare bubble or support bubble of staff or a pupil
How to get a test with the DCC Community Testing Service
Home-testing kits are available from the government for members of a household, childcare bubble, nursery staff or support bubble of staff or a pupil. Their test kits can be ordered online, and can also be collected from some NHS testing locations. These cannot be collected from Devon County Council Community Testing Service locations at this time.
Find out more about the NHS home-testing kits
The government policy and guidance around testing is changing rapidly – we will keep this page updated to reflect any changes.
What people think of the service
This dashboard shows real-time feedback from people who have used the Community Testing Service. The service is free and fast – just check locations and opening hours and walk up.
Map of test and vaccination sites
View our map of current coronavirus test and vaccination sites in Devon.
The sites displayed on this map reflect the latest information available. Visits to vaccination sites should only be made if you have a pre-booked appointment or have been invited for vaccination.
Guidance for employers
The staff of all organisations and businesses are encouraged to make use of the Community Testing Service.
All employers, regardless of size, can apply directly to NHS Test and Trace for support in setting up your own workplace testing. If companies have specific queries following that, they can contact the relevant team at the Department for Health and Social Care via P-and-PSector@dhsc.gov.uk.
You should not be asking members of staff to get tested before they come into the workplace. You can also help by communicating the guidance around testing to your staff.
Schools
Please see the latest information from the government on testing in schools.