Residents reminded to get a test if they have COVID-19 symptoms

Residents are being reminded to make sure that they get tested for COVID-19 if they have symptoms or have been advised to do so.

This reminder comes from Oxfordshire County Council as England enters a second lockdown starting on Thursday 5 November.

Until then people are reminded that existing high alert level restrictions in Oxford and medium level restrictions in the rest of Oxfordshire still apply.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Public Health, added: “As cases are continuing to escalate across the county, we are actively urging people to make sure that they get a test if they have symptoms or if they have been advised to do so. There is capacity and it’s a crucial part of limiting the spread of the virus.”

Testing protects residents and provides the opportunity to create a full picture of how the virus is spreading within communities.

Residents can book a test seven days a week by calling 119 or registering online. Alternatively, home tests are available – but these must be used within seven days of having symptoms.

On top of existing local and regional testing centres, new testing sites will be opening in Oxford (Oxpens) on 6 November and Banbury (Woodgreen Leisure Centre) on 17 November. Work is also ongoing to bring two further sites to West Oxfordshire, and South Oxfordshire.

People are also reminded of the following:

• If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you must self-isolate for at least 10 days and get a test. Do not wait for a test or test result before self-isolating.
• The main symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new continuous cough, and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms. If you have at least one of these symptoms, you should book a test by calling 119 or registering online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
• If another member of your household has symptoms, you must self-isolate. Further guidance on self-isolation is available on the government’s website.
• If you have been abroad and are in quarantine, you should get a test if you develop symptoms.
• If you are self-isolating or in quarantine, then a negative test result does not mean you can end isolation early. The virus can take time to develop and so a test early on does not prove that you will not go on to develop the virus –you could still be at risk of spreading the virus to other people.

For more information about this release contact the Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council communications team on 01865 323870 or email press.office@oxfordshire.gov.uk