With the spread of Omicron across Northern Ireland, people are keen to test themselves for Covid-19 more often.
You can get rapid lateral flow tests if you do not have symptoms of the virus.
The NHS say about 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 do not have symptoms but can still infect others.
If you do have symptoms, you will need to get a PCR test.
It is strongly recommended that everyone over 11 years of age takes regular rapid lateral flow tests (twice weekly), particularly if:
- you’re planning to mix with other people
- you can’t get the vaccine due to your age or a health condition
Lateral flow tests are free and provide a result within 30 minutes at home.
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The Department of Heath say everyone, who does not have symptoms, should take a rapid Covid-19 test before:
- meeting friends and family
- attending an event or social gathering
- spending time in a crowd or a busy public place
- visiting someone who is elderly or more vulnerable
- travelling into Northern Ireland from England, Scotland, Wales or the Republic of Ireland (the Common Travel Area )
You can pick up lateral flow rapid tests at your local chemists on the same day you want them.
To find out which pharmacy closest to you stocks them, visit this link and enter your postcode.
Alternatively, you can order rapid Covid tests online for free delivery to your home.
The Department says it’s important to report every result, positive, negative or void. You need to report your result within 24 hours of getting it.
This can be done through this link.
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