Information about the NHS’s test and trace service 

The Government and NHS are trying to stop the spread of coronavirus. As part of this, they want to make sure that anyone who gets symptoms of the virus gets tested and self-isolates as soon as possible. 

This is important to stop people from spreading the virus without knowing, especially because it can take up to two weeks for the symptoms of the virus to become visible. 

What does the test and trace service involve? 

The service will make sure you get tested for coronavirus if you’ve got the symptoms. If you’ve been tested and have the virus, the service will also follow up with anyone you’ve recently come into contact with to let them know they need to self-isolate to stop the spread of the virus. 

Here’s what the NHS is asking you to do: 

• If you start to notice symptoms, you and any members of your household should self-isolate, and order a test to find out whether you definitely have coronavirus. 
• If the test result tells you that you have got coronavirus, you may be contacted by NHS Test and Trace or your local council so you can let them know who you’ve been in contact with. You will be contacted by email, text or phone – text messages will come from NHSTracing and calls will come from 0300 013 5000. The NHS will then get in touch with anyone who’s been in close contact with you, and they’ll be asked to self-isolate in case they get the virus too. 

What happens if the NHS gets in touch with me? 

The NHS might also get in touch with you if you’ve recently been in close contact with someone who’s got coronavirus. They might text, email or phone you. 

• If they text or email you, they’ll ask you to sign into their contact tracing website. If you can’t use the contract tracing website you’ll be asked for the information on the phone. 
• If they call you, the number will be 0300 013 5000. If you don’t understand what to do about it, ask a family member, friend or carer to explain it to you. 

There’s more information on what to expect on the NHS website.
 
If you need more support, find out more about what help and support is available.

Information about testing 

If you need to take a test to check if you have coronavirus, you might find these videos helpful. They have been produced by the Government and NHS. They go through the different ways you can take a test.  

• Using a home test kit 
• Visiting a local/walk-in test site 
• Visiting a regional/drive-through test site 
• This is a simplified and friendly explanation of test sites, which may help children