Here's when to book a coronavirus test as surge in demand leads to local shortages

Demand for Covid-19 tests has soared over the past few weeks, with many struggling to book a test, and reports of people being asked to travel hundreds of miles to get one.

Health secretary Matt Hancock has stated that asymptomatic people getting Covid-19 tests is a major reason for the mass shortages affecting the UK.

So who is eligible for a test and when should you get one? This is what you need to know.

Who should book a Covid-19 test?

If you’re experiencing coronavirus symptoms, you need to get a test done as soon as possible and within five days of having symptoms.

On days one to four of having symptoms, you can get tested at a testing site, or at home.

If you’re ordering a home test kit on your fourth day of symptoms, you need to do so before 3pm.

If you’re on day five of symptoms, you need to go to a test site as it will be too late to order a home test kit at this point.

With only a few exceptions, you must have symptoms in order to book a test.

The government website used to book tests online has been changed recently to be more clear about who can and cannot get tested.

The website states: “Only get tested if you have coronavirus symptoms or have been asked to get tested”.

You’re then asked to tick one of the following boxes:

• I have coronavirus symptoms (I’m not an essential worker)
• I have coronavirus symptoms (I’m an essential worker)
• I’m ordering for someone I live with who has coronavirus symptoms
• I’ve been in contact with a person who has tested positive for coronavirus and have since developed symptoms

The only reason you can get a test done without having symptoms are:

• You’ve been invited to take part in the ‘visiting professional’ pilot - you visit care homes at least twice a week and are often within one metre of the residents (only refers to parts of England)
• You’ve been in contact with a person who has tested positive for coronavirus and you’ve been asked to take a test by a contact tracer (only in Northern Ireland and Scotland)
• Your local council has asked you to get a test

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care told FactCheck: “We have always been clear if you have symptoms of coronavirus, or are asked by a clinician or local authority to get a test, then you should apply for one.

“While our capacity is the highest it has ever been, we are seeing a significant demand for tests. That’s why we have simplified the booking process and updated guidance to make clear that if you do not have coronavirus symptoms and haven’t been asked, then you are not eligible for a test as this may prevent others who need one getting one.”

Should I book a test before going on holiday?

Some destinations state that you need to have proof of a negative Covid-19 test prior to entry - however, this should be done privately and not through the NHS. The NHS does not offer travel related coronavirus tests.

Some private medical facilities offer private Covid-19 testing, such as the Mayfield Clinic which offers a “fit to fly” medical package.

The package offers a Covid-19 swab test and GP certification, with results delivered within 48-72 hours. The Mayfield Clinic states that this service “meets the requirements for international travel”.

The price for non-members is £285.