Covid FAQ's

Lateral Flow Tests

Lateral flow tests are are a quick-and-easy way to test you and your family. Sometimes Covid-19 has no symptoms at all, so these tests help to make sure you do not spread the virus to someone else.

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Rapid Lateral Flow Test Eligibility

The rules have changed and lateral flow tests are no longer free for everyone. In England, you can order tests if:

you have a health condition which means you're eligible for COVID-19 treatments
your doctor or healthcare professional has told you to get a test because you're being admitted to hospital
you've spoken to your GP or healthcare professional recently and they asked you to get a test.

Find out if you are eligible for free tests

How Is It Different From A Standard Test?

Lateral flow testing involves a swab of the nose and tonsils to collect a sample but it doesn't need to be sent to a lab for analysis like standard PCR tests do.

Lateral flow tests get results much faster, in just 30 minutes.

How To Do The Test

Do not eat for 30 minutes before taking the test, as it may affect the result.
Read the instructions carefully.
Clean the surface you're putting the test on.
Check that nothing in the test kit is damaged or broken.
Start the test within 30 minutes of opening the test kit.

Watch this video below to see how the test is done.

Positive Tests

While you’re no longer legally required to stay at home (self-isolate) if you test positive for Covid-19, you should still take steps to help reduce the chance of passing it onto others.

Read up to date covid guidance

Who can Help?

You can contact the Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.

If you are 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of our team.

You can speak to other Norfolk parents and carers by clicking our online community forum below.