A Covid surge testing programme is underway for residents, workers and students over the age of 12 in the following postcode areas:
RG1 3, RG1 5, RG1 6, RG1 7
Testing takes place from Monday 7 June until Sunday 20 June. There is currently no change to local restrictions in the light of this testing. You can still travel to work and school in the affected areas. Please continue to follow public health advice and national guidelines to minimise the spread of the virus www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
You should take the test if you live or work in the affected areas even if you don’t have symptoms, have received a Covid vaccination or have been taking regular Lateral Flow (rapid) tests.
However, you should not take the test if you have tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 90 days using a PCR test.
You can order a test online from www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
Alternatively, you can get a test at a local test site from Monday 7 June. No appointment is needed:
| Site | Address | Time | Service |
| Prospect Park | Liebenrood Road, Reading RG30 2ND | 14.00-20.00 | Walk-up |
| Reading University | London Road, Crown Place, Reading RG1 5AQ | 14.00-20.00 | Walk-up |
| Reading University Car Park 7 | Reading University, RG6 6DR | 12:00-18:00 | Drive or walk-up |
| Thames Valley Park & Ride | Earley, RG6 1PQ | 07:30- 13:30 and 14:30- 20:30 | Drive or walk-up |
| Microsoft Campus | Thames Valley Business Park, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 1WG | 08.00-20.00 (closed Sundays) | Drive or walk-up |
You will get a text or email with your result within 3 days. If you do not have symptoms you can continue to go to work or school while you wait for your results.
If you test positive you must self-isolate immediately along with your household for 10 days to stop the spread of the virus, and engage with contact tracers when contacted. To check if you are eligible for a self-isolation support payment please visit www.reading.gov.uk/covidselfisolate, or contact the One Reading Community Hub if you need extra help to self-isolate www.reading.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-one-reading-community-hub-support/