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People reminded to not attend Emergency Departments for COVID-19 tests

16/09/2020
This article is more than three years old.

As cases of COVID-19 in Oxfordshire rise, people are reminded not to come to Emergency Departments at the John Radcliffe or Horton General Hospital to request a test.

Instead, people should book a test at a local designated testing centre or order a home testing kit by calling 119 or by visiting the NHS COVID-19 testing website.

Sachin Mandalia, Clinical Lead for Emergency Department at OUH, said: "It's really important that people understand that they must not come to Emergency Departments for a COVID-19 test.

"Not only will you not be able to get one, but if you do have COVID-19 then you increase the risk of transmission to more vulnerable people.

"If you do have symptoms of COVID-19, you should self-isolate and book a test by either calling 119 or visit the NHS testing website. You should only request a test if you have symptoms of COVID-19 - that means tests are available for people who really need them.

"Stay home, stay safe, and save an unnecessary journey to our Emergency Departments."