Coronavirus testing and Surrey County Council’s Local Outbreak Plan

Coronavirus testing and local outbreak plan

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

The symptoms of Coronavirus are:

  • a high temperature
  • a new continuous cough
  • or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

Contents

Who should get tested?

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

The symptoms of Coronavirus are:

  • a high temperature
  • a new continuous cough
  • or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

How do you book a test?

Anyone who has symptoms can book a test by visiting Visit nhs.uk/coronavirus or call NHS on 119 to get a test.

  • Essential Workers – If you are an essential worker you can apply for a test using the GOV.UK testing for essential workers web pages..
  • Care Homes – A digital portal for care homes is available to enable care homes to access coronavirus test kits. All registered care homes can now register for testing of the whole care home. This includes all residents and asymptomatic staff, including agency staff. This can be done through the Government’s portal for care homes.

Where can I get tested?

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).

1. Driving to a regional or mobile drive-through test site – There are a number of test centres across Surrey, when you book 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.

2. Requesting a home testing kit.

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

Can I get a home testing kit?

If you are too unwell to travel to a test centre, you can request a home testing kit when you register. Please bear in mind that availability of home testing kits is currently limited, but more will become available.

When using a test site, there is no option to use public transport – you must drive or arrange for a household member to drive you. If this is not an option you can request a home testing kit. If you have problems ordering the home testing kit when registering for a test online at nhs.uk/coronavirus you can call NHS on 119 to arrange for one to be delivered.

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 10 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.

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 2 metres for more than 15 minutes.

This simple flow diagram explains the process of Test and Trace (PDF).

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 7 day isolation and household completes their 14 day isolation.
  • NEGATIVE RESULT? – Your household stops isolating immediately. You need to complete your 14 day isolation.

Surrey’s Local Outbreak Control Plans

The NHS Test and Trace service primary objectives are to control the COVID-19 rate of reproduction (R), reduce the spread of infection and save lives. This will help return life to as normal as possible, for as many as people as possible, in a way that is safe, protects our health and care systems and releases our economy.

Achieving these objectives requires a co-ordinated effort with local government, NHS and other relevant organisations at the centre of outbreak response. Local authorities are required to work with partners to develop Local Outbreak Control Plans which build on existing health protection plans and put in place measures to identify and contain outbreaks and protect the public’s health. Below are copies of the Full Surrey Local Outbreak Control Plan and a summary version. These will be regularly reviewed and updated.

Summary version of Surrey’s Local Outbreak Control Plan (PDF)

Full version of Surrey’s Local Outbreak Control Plan (PDF)

Surrey Local Outbreak Control Plan – Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Receiving your results

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 48hrs from a testing site, and within 72hrs of collection of a home test.

When you receive your results, you should confirm them to your employer. We will not release data to employers on individual’s test results or an individual’s engagement with the test programme.

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

If you or your household member tested negative and you are fit and well enough to work, you should arrange your prompt return to work with your manager. Unless you have been tested as part of a Test and Trace alert, then you should complete your 14 day isolation.

What tests are available?

Swab test

This 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).

Antibody testing

Antibody testing can tell someone whether they have had the virus that causes Covid-19. The test requires a blood sample to be taken by a qualified healthcare professional and processed in a laboratory.

We do not know how long an antibody response lasts. There is no strong evidence yet to suggest that those who have been proven to have had the virus are immune. The value of antibody tests therefore is currently limited to answering the question of whether someone has had the virus or not. Antibody tests will be prioritised for NHS and care home staff. Clinicians will be able to request the tests for patients in both hospital and social care settings if they deem it appropriate.

Patients who are in hospital and having a blood test as part of their assessment may be asked if they would like an antibody test alongside other tests. Where patients are attending as a day patient and a blood test is part of their assessment the antibody test may also be offered.

The programme of testing will continue to be rolled out at pace to cover care settings and social care.

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