When to get tested for COVID if you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive
When to get tested for COVID and understanding the meaning of ‘close contact’ with someone who is positive for COVID and what that means for you.
This link from the NHS-updated on the 2nd of October 2020- says it all clearly. This advice only applies to those of us living in the UK and is changing week to week. I have summarised the main points below.
When should I get tested for COVID?
If you have any of these symptoms:
a high temperature
a new, continuous cough
a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
The COVID PCR test needs to be done within the first 8 days of having symptoms.
You do not need to get a test if you have no symptoms or if you have different symptoms.
2. If you have been instructed to have a test by NHS Test and Trace service.
There is still uncertainty among patients around whether to get tested if you have been in close contact with someone with COVID.
Do I get tested if I’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID 19?
If you’ve been in contact with someone who have tested positive but you do not have symptoms then you do not need to be tested.
Do I need to self-isolate if I’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive?
Yes, if you have been within 1-2 meter of them for 15 minutes or more (without facial protection) then you need to self-isolate for 14 days
Yes, if you have been within 1 meter of them for any length of time without facial protection or PPE then you need to self-isolate for 14 days.
You must continue to practice social distancing, hand washing and catching coughs and sneezes.
And if you develop any symptoms of COVID then get tested as soon as is possible and follow the self-isolation rules.
If you test positive you start the clock again and isolate for 10 days. But, if your symptoms continue such as a cough and fever you should seek help and continue to isolate until these major symptoms settle.
If you are worried speak to your doctor.
What does close contact mean?
This is not just about direct physical contact but applies to:
close face to face contact (within 1 meter) for any length of time – including talking with someone or coughing on them.
being within 1-2 metres of each other for more than 15 minutes — including travelling in a small car.
someone spending a lot of time in your house, maybe cleaning or fixing something inside your home.
3. If you are travelling abroad you may need to have a private PCR COVID swab test done in order to fly.
You should check with the airline about what regulations are in place before planning your trip. NHS test centres are no longer providing these tests for personal travel purposes and so you will have to organise this privately.
Read more about self-isolation rules here
Dr Siobhan Graham
Siobhan has been writing this blog for over four years. It began in Morocco covering the travels of her brother and her by road from Belfast to Marrakech.
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