COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Survey
We have launched a community survey to seek the views of people across Somerset. The team is keen to hear from as many people as possible about three key areas:
- testing
- vaccination
- self-isolating
We would like to understand people’s knowledge of the above and any barriers that may prevent them from doing these things or having the vaccine when it is offered.
Introduction
You can get a free PCR test if you are displaying any of the following symptoms:
- a high temperature
- a new continuous cough
- a loss of or change to your sense of smell or taste
You need to get the test done in the first 5 days of having symptoms.
Only book a test if displaying symptoms
If you have symptoms and need a test, you will need to book this prior to arriving.
Please do not just turn up as you will be turned away.
You can book a PCR test online or by phoning 119.
What the test involves
The test involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud.
You can do the swab yourself (if you are aged 12 or over) or someone can do it for you. Parents or guardians must swab test children aged 11 or under.
If you’re getting a test because you have symptoms, you, and anyone you live with must self-isolate until you get your result. This also applies to anyone in your support bubble. You must also self-isolate if you cannot get a test.
Government guidance on getting tested for coronavirus – Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested.
Symptomatic COVID-19 test site locations
Tests are available at a number of sites in Somerset and just across the border. These include drive-through regional testing sites (RTS) and walk-through local testing sites (LTS) which are available 7 days a week, and drive-through mobile testing units (MTUs) which operate on different days each week.
When you book a test you should be provided with a list of those venues closest to where you live even if these are in a neighbouring county. If you don’t see a testing site nearby please keep trying as availability is updated regularly.
You can also order tests to be delivered to your home if you are finding it difficult to access one of the testing sites, again you may need to keep checking the GOV.UK Get a test for Coronavirus page for availability.
Symptomatic COVID-19 test site locations in Somerset
Local Test Sites (LTS)
- Bridgwater Town Hall
- Chard Town Hall
Mobile Test Units (MTU)
- Cheddar, Winchester Farm
- Dulverton, Sports Field Pavilion, Millham Lane
- Shepton Mallet, Commercial Road
- Street, Victoria Club
- Yeovil, Westlands Centre
- Yeovilton, RNAS Yeovilton
Regional Test Site (RTS)
- Taunton Racecourse
Other test sites you may be offered outside Somerset
- Trowbridge (MTU)
- Warminster (MTU)
- Weston-Super-Mare (MTU)
- Tiverton (MTU)
- Barnstaple (MTU)
- Dorchester (MTU)
- Bridport (MTU)
- Exeter (RTS)
- Bristol (RTS)
When you book your test you will be given details of the exact location of the site you have chosen.
Lateral flow tests - for people who do not have symptoms
Around one in three people with coronavirus do not have symptoms. Lateral flow testing is a fast and simple way to test people who do not have symptoms, but who may still be spreading the virus.
You can find out how to book a regular lateral flow test if you do not have symptoms here
More information and downloads
National advice and guidance
- NHS Testing for Coronavirus – Get a test to check if you have coronavirus, find out what testing involves and understand your test result.
- NHS test and trace: how it works
- Age UK – information on test and trace
- Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
- Types and uses of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests – Guidance on the different types of coronavirus test available.
- How tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work – The different types of tests and testing kits for COVID-19, and the specifications for manufacturers.
- How to do a COVID-19 Self Test (rapid antigen test) YouTube video – How to test yourself for coronavirus using a self-test rapid antigen test kit, as well as how to read your result and report it to the NHS.
- COVID-19 self-test help – Find out how to test yourself for coronavirus (COVID-19) if you are asked to, and learn what help is available.
- Coronavirus antibody testing – Information about the government’s coronavirus antibody testing programme. Antibody tests are to check whether a person has had the virus.
- NHS COVID-19 app – Download this app to help control the spread of coronavirus and protect yourself and others.
Local information, graphics and guides
- How to dispose of used COVID-19 self test kits – Information on what to to with the waste from Somerset Waste Partnership.
- Child COVID-19 symptom checker – to help parents know what to do if their child starts to display Coronavirus symptoms, tests positive, someone in their household displays symptoms or a household member tests positive.
- COVID-19 Testing – a quick guide
- COVID-19 Isolation graphic – what happens if someone in your household gets COVID-19
- Coronavirus Incubation Timeline #DontbelikeJane – this graphic shows why it is important to complete your full isolation period.
- How coronavirus can spread at work – supermarket graphic
- How coronavirus can spread at work – mechanic graphic
- COVID Keep Safe Checklist – How have you kept safe today?
If you need Coronavirus help or support, contact Somerset’s Coronavirus helpline on 0300 790 6275
COVID Information in other languages
Lithuanian
COVID-19 Symptom Checker
COVID-19 Testing – a quick guide
Polish
COVID-19 Symptom Checker
COVID-19 Testing – a quick guide
Portuguese
COVID-19 Symptom Checker
COVID-19 Testing – a quick guide
Romanian
COVID-19 Symptom Checker
COVID-19 Testing – a quick guide
COVID-19 PCR home test kit instructions – Step-by-step guide available in different formats and languages on how to use and return your PCR home test kit to test yourself for COVID-19.