There is clear evidence that Covid-19 cases are on the rise nationally and in North Yorkshire and York, and health professionals are urging people to follow the correct route for testing if they have concerning symptoms.

The NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and health and care partners would like to thank local residents for doing the right thing and getting tested when they exhibit Covid-19 symptoms – a new continuous cough, a fever or a change in sense of taste or smell. However, to ensure the best healthcare for everyone, it is essential that patients who have symptoms access care in the most appropriate way.

To learn more about Covid-19, including symptoms and how to self-care, people should access the dedicated NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ or the Government website https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus not their GP practice or local hospital.

To get information about testing, including the opportunity to order a test if needed, patients should use the established websites if at all possible. Neither GP practices or hospitals are able to arrange or undertake tests for members of the public; they cannot write a letter for patients to support a test and people should therefore use the following routes.

The NHS website provides advice on who should seek a test (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/) or people can go directly to the Government website to book a test (https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/antigen/name). People who do not have access to the internet can call 119 to arrange a test.

Dr Nigel Wells, NHS Vale of York CCG Clinical Chair, said “Hospitals and GP practices are working hard to be able to deliver the maximum services possible following the necessary changes imposed by Covid-19. To help with this recovery, please book coronavirus testing using the national testing website if you develop new symptoms.

“Please continue to protect yourselves, your loved ones, and the NHS by following the national guidance summed up in Hands, Face, Space”

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