Apply for a test

Before requesting a test you must have at least one of the following symptoms:

• a new continuous cough
• a high temperature
• loss of or change to sense of smell or taste

If you develop one of these symptoms follow the self-isolation guidance.
Remember to follow this guidance when you travel for a test.

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Testing options

You may be able to choose between:

home test kits	national testing centres (drive, walk, cycle to the walk-through site) BRECON and NEWTOWN
local testing centre (drive-through only) BUILTH WELLS and WELSHPOOL	mobile testing centre (drive-through only) HAY-ON-WYE and LLANFYLLIN (moving to Rhayader and Crickhowell from 1 March)

Tests taken in Wales involve either a single dry swab taken from the back of the throat or a combined throat and nose swab.

Home Test Kits

Apply for a test online (on GOV.UK).

You can apply for a test for yourself or anyone in your household with symptoms. If no tests show available please try again later, as tests become available during the day.

Alternatively, you can call 119 (between 7am and 11 pm).

People with hearing or speech difficulties can call 18001119.  This free service is available to assist you through the process of booking and taking a test but cannot provide clinical advice.

National Testing Centres - Drive / Walk / Cycle

National testing centres are available in Powys and can be accessed by car or on foot. When you arrive your test will be walk-through:

• Brecon
• Newtown

These testing centres are managed by the Department of Health and Social Care.

You can also book to attend mass drive through testing centre in neighbouring counties if this is more convenient for you.

Apply for a test online (on GOV.UK).

You can apply for a test for yourself or anyone in your household with symptoms. If no tests show available please try again later, as tests become available during the day.

Alternatively, you can call 119 (between 7am and 11 pm).

People with hearing or speech difficulties can call 18001119.  This free service is available to assist you through the process of booking and taking a test but cannot provide clinical advice.

Local Testing Sites - Drive-Through Only

Local testing sites in Powys:

• Builth Wells
• Welshpool

This testing facility is run and staffed by Powys Teaching Health Board.

The slots are prioritised for:

• Patients needing a test prior to an operation or procedure
• Testing for residents of mid Powys.

Please use our local booking system to book a test at a local testing site:

• Call the Powys Testing Hub on 01874 612228 (0900-1700 Mon-Fri, 1000-1500 Sat-Sun)
• Email the Powys Testing Hub at Powys.testing@wales.nhs.uk

If you referred for testing via other routes (e.g. key worker testing, testing before a hospital procedure or appointment) you may also be offered testing in other locations including Welshpool.

Mobile Testing Unit - Drive-Through Only

Mobile Testing Units are an important part of our testing programme. For example, we use mobile testing units to respond to local outbreaks.

We advertise these locally and through our social media channels.

These are currently located in Hay-on-Wye and Llanfyllin (and move to Rhayader and Crickhowell on 1 March 2021)

• Apply for a test online (on GOV.UK)

• Alternatively, you can call 119 (between 7am and 11 pm). People with hearing or speech difficulties can call 18001119.  This free service is available to assist you through the process of booking and taking a test but cannot provide clinical advice.

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Travelling for a Coronavirus Test

When you go for a coronavirus test you MUST follow the rules on self-isolation:

✅ Travel direct to and from the test centre
❌ Do not use taxis or public transport
✅ Follow all the instructions you are given when you book, and by staff at the centre
❌ Do not visit local shops or other local facilities
✅ Make sure you follow national guidance on self-isolation

Please help us to Keep Powys Safe.

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Coronavirus Symptoms

Use the 111 online coronavirus service if:

• you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
• your condition gets worse
• your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

If you do not have internet access, call 111.

In a medical emergency, dial 999.

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Test results

When you book your test, you will be given further information on how the result will be provided. You should receive your test result within 72 hours.

Call 119 number if you have problems getting your results of home tests and mass drive-through tests (Brecon and Newtown). People with hearing or speech difficulties can call 18001119. The contact centre is open from 7am to 11pm.

Call our local testing hub if you have problems getting your results from local testing sites (Builth Wells).

If you have received your test result and have questions or need further advice, please visit Public Health Wales information for individuals tested for COVID-19 infection

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Useful Resources for Employers of Critical Workers:

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