Coronavirus: Changes to restrictions

Only meet indoors with people you live with or your support bubble. Up to 6 people or 2 households can meet outside. Work from home if you can. If you have symptoms get a test and stay at home.

Coronavirus: Information and advice

Coronavirus testing

2. Testing for people without symptoms

Pop up rapid testing sites

As more retail shops and leisure businesses reopen, it’s important that we undergo twice-weekly coronavirus tests to help spot positive cases and to manage these effectively so we can keep businesses open. 

In line with the government roadmap of opening back up – we want to help retail, hospitality, and their customers return safely to Oldham by providing pop-up rapid testing sites in Oldham for those without symptoms.   

Offering free rapid testing, with no appointment necessary and results back on your phone usually within the hour.   

So if you work or spend time in the town centre e.g. you are a worker (retail, hospitality or office), a shopper or just enjoying hospitality – we want you to be safe and not spread the virus in Oldham, so come and get a free test whilst you are here (recommended twice a week)  

This week, our pop up is at: 

  • Unit 61, Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre - On the Upper Level (next to the YMCA Charity Shop)  

The site is open from 9am-4pm Monday to Saturday. 

Where to get tested

Regular testing of people without symptoms (asymptomatic) is important to help stop the virus from spreading and protect your loved ones.

If you are not showing symptoms and are need regular testing, for example if you can't work from home or are a care home visitor, you can get tested at the following locations:

NOTE:  last test will be 30 minutes before the pharmacy closing time

Home testing kits

These are available if –  

  • you do not have coronavirus symptoms - NHS website
  • you live in England 
  • you’re 18 or older 
  • you have not been told to self-isolate

The tests should be completed twice a week (every 3 or 4 days apart).

Where to get a home testing kit

For a list of locations where you can pick up a home testing kit, visit https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/ - NHS website

You can also collect a kit from:

Order online

If you are unable to access a collection site, please order rapid lateral flow home test kits online:

How to use the test

Each home test pack will contain instructions explaining how to take the test and how to interpret the results.

You can find an easy step-by-step guide by visiting

If you are still unsure how to do the test you can visit one of the test sites listed above and they will guide you through a self-swab and answer any questions you might have.

Results

The results of the test, whether positive, negative or invalid, must be reported via the GOV.UK website:

If the test result from the home test kit is positive, then you and your household must self-isolate.

After reporting the positive result on the GOV.UK website you must book a PCR test to confirm the result. 

This can be done online:

 by calling 119 or by turning up to a morning slot at the Honey Well Centre, Peel Street or Southgate street test sites (do not attend the rapid test sites).

Developing symptoms

If you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19, you must book a test:

You must not attend one of the asymptomatic test sites.

You and your household must isolate until the result is known.