No. As of April 2023, UK residents and visitors no longer need to take a COVID-19 test if they suspect they have the virus. However, there are several reasons why taking a COVID-19 test is a sensible idea.
For example, if you live or work with someone who is considered vulnerable, it is best to protect them from the virus by avoiding close contact. Lateral flow testing kits are still available to order via GOV.UK, however, only eligible UK residents can order them.
What are COVID-19 Symptoms?
The COVID-19 symptoms have not changed much since the outbreak of the virus. If you have any of the following symptoms, it is recommended by the NHS that you remain at home and avoid contact with people:
- high temperature, fever, or chills
- continuous cough
- loss of normal sense of smell or taste
- sudden change in normal sense of taste or smell
- shortness of breath
- unexplained tiredness and overall lack of energy
- muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise and cannot be explained
- loss of appetite
- headache that’s unusual or lasts longer than usual
- sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
- diarrhoea
- nausea or vomiting.
Anyone with these symptoms is also advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids (preferably water), get as much sleep as possible, and take over-the-counter medications, such as paracetamol or cold and flu tablets.
How Do I Order the At-Home Test Kits?
Although at-home test kits are available to order from GOV.UK, they are no longer free for the vast majority of people. Only eligible people can order the free test kits. You can order COVID-19 test kits if:
- you’re eligible for COVID-19 treatments (these are different from vaccinations)
- your GP or healthcare professional has recently asked you to get a test
- you work in healthcare or social care, caring for patients, or care residents, at high risk from COVID-19, and you have COVID-19 symptoms.
If you are not eligible for free COVID-19 testing kits, you can purchase rapid lateral flow kits from many of the high-street pharmacies in the UK, including Lloyds Pharmacy, Boots, and Superdrug.
This includes COVID-19 testing kits specifically for travel to other countries. The cost of rapid lateral flow tests ranges from £2 up to £35+ for multipacks and travel-specific tests.
What Do I Do If I Test Positive for COVID-19 in 2023?
If you test positive for COVID-19, you must take responsibility to contain the spread of the virus. The best way to get better and prevent others from contracting the virus is to stay at home, avoid contact with others, and rest.
If you are aged 18+, the NHS advises that you stay at home for five days following a positive COVID-19 test. Children and young people are advised to stay at home for three days following a positive COVID-19 test (as they tend to be infectious for less time than adults).
To protect those who are vulnerable, it is advised that you avoid contact with anyone likely to get seriously ill if they contract the virus for at least 10 days.
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This article is published by our independent team of health and wellness pundits that publish original and informative content to empower readers to take charge of their health and embark on a physically, mentally, and emotionally balanced lifestyle.
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