A positive result means it's likely you had coronavirus (COVID-19) when the test was done. You must self-isolate immediately.
What you need to do next depends on the type of test you had.
Types of COVID-19 test
There are 2 main COVID-19 tests:
- PCR tests – mainly for people with symptoms, they're sent to a lab to be checked and you get the result within a day or two
- rapid lateral flow tests – only for people who do not have symptoms, they give a quick result using a device similar to a pregnancy test
Positive PCR test result
If you tested positive, you must self-isolate straight away to avoid spreading the infection to other people. Check if people you live with need to self-isolate
The self-isolation period includes the day your symptoms started (or the day you had the test, if you do not have symptoms) and the next 10 full days. Find out how long to self-isolate
If you were already self-isolating and had a test because you've been in close contact with someone who tested positive, your self-isolation period restarts if you test positive.
If you live in a care home or in supported living, you may need to self-isolate for 14 days instead of 10.
You may be contacted by the NHS or your local council and asked for information to help the NHS alert your close contacts.
Tell your employer, school or nursery about your result.
Important
You could be fined if you do not self-isolate after getting a positive PCR test result.
Positive rapid lateral flow test result
Rapid lateral flow test at home or at a test site
If you did a rapid lateral flow test at home or at a test site, and the result was positive:
- self-isolate straight away – check if people you live with need to self-isolate
- get a PCR test (a test that is sent to a lab) to confirm your result as soon as possible – get a PCR test to check if you have COVID-19 on GOV.UK
Continue to self-isolate until you get the result of the PCR test. Follow the advice you're given when you get the result.
In England, if you do the PCR test within 2 days of a positive rapid lateral flow test at a test site and your PCR test is negative, you can stop self-isolating. If you do the PCR test later than this, you'll need to self-isolate for 10 full days even if you get a negative PCR result.
Report your test result
Report your result (positive, negative or void) every time you do a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test at home or at work.
Read more about reporting a rapid lateral flow test result.
Help and support while you're staying at home
While you're self-isolating:
- you can get help with everyday tasks, like collecting shopping or medicines, from an NHS volunteer
- you might be able to get sick pay or other types of financial support if you're not able to work
Find out about help and financial support while you're self-isolating