Testing for COVID-19
Everyone in Northern Ireland with symptoms of COVID-19 is eligible for a free test.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature); OR
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual); OR
- a loss of or change in sense of smell or taste.
There are two ways to get a coronavirus test: going to a testing centre or getting a test kit delivered to your home.
When to get tested
You need to get the test done in the first 8 days of having symptoms.
On days 1 to 7, you can get tested at a site or at home. If you’re ordering a home test kit on day 7, do it by 3pm.
On day 8, you need to go to a test site – it’s too late to order a home test kit.
Testing for all symptomatic individuals in Northern Ireland can be booked: here
If you have questions about a test you’ve booked you can call free phone 119 or 0300 303 2713.