Positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19)

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.

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.

Positive rapid lateral flow test result

Rapid lateral flow test at home

If you did a rapid lateral flow test at home and the result was positive:

• self-isolate straight away – check if people you live with need to self-isolate
• report your rapid lateral flow test result as soon as possible
• get a PCR test (a test that is sent to a lab) to confirm your result – 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.

Rapid lateral flow test at a test site

If you did a rapid lateral flow test 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.