Coronavirus (COVID-19): Testing

Contents 

1. Overview
2. Testing
3. Support for people
4. Businesses
5. Vaccine
6. News and messages from the Council
7. Council services and schools
8. Volunteering - how you can help

Testing

There are two tests you can get to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19): 

• PCR tests - tests which are sent to a lab to be checked.
• Rapid lateral flow tests - tests which you can take regularly and give a result in 30 minutes. They are less sensitive than PCR tests, but can help to stop the virus spreading.

Both tests are free.

PCR tests

You should get a PCR test if you have COVID-19 symptoms.

Get a PCR test

Rapid lateral flow tests

You can get regular rapid tests if you do not have COVID-19 symptoms.

You should take a rapid test twice a week (every 3 to 4 days) to check if you have the virus. 

Get rapid lateral flow tests

Local testing sites

There are two local testing sites in South Tyneside - one in Jarrow and one in South Shields. 

COVID-19 local testing sites