The mobile testing unit at Torquay Coach Station in Lymington Road will be there until at least Thursday 1 October, but will not be operating on Monday 28 September.

Testing capacity is being scaled up nationally, but there will still be some delays as testing centres are all very busy while capacity is being increased. 

When to get a test

  • If you have any symptoms of coronavirus
  • If you have been asked to get tested by a medical professional (for example because you are going into hospital)

The symptoms of coronavirus are one or more of the following:

  • a fever or high temperature
  • a new, continuous cough
  • a loss of or change to your sense of smell or taste.


This video shows how to tell the difference between cold and coronavirus symptoms and when to get a test.

When not to get a test

  • You don’t need to get a test if you have symptoms other than those listed above.
  • You don’t need to get a test if you have been in contact with someone who has coronavirus unlessyou have coronavirus symptoms yourself. A negative test result does not change the period of time that you will be required to self-isolate.
  • You don’t need to book a test if it is more than 5 days since your symptoms started as the test is not effective after 5 days. You will still need to isolate the full 10 days since symptoms started.
  • We cannot offer a test if your employer, school, or travel company has asked for evidence of a negative coronavirus test result.

How to get a test

If you have symptoms please book a test as normal online or by calling 119. 

Book a coronavirus test

  • Do not call 111 which is an urgent care service and cannot help with tests.
  • If you can’t get through to book a test, or you are offered a location which is not convenient, please wait a few hours and try again. 
  • Temporary local arrangements have been put in place to try and help with delays. 

If you are unable to book a slot through the government website, please email d-ccg.cornwalldevon.urgenttesting@nhs.net and you should be contacted within 24 hours by someone who will try to arrange a test for you.

What to do next

  • Please isolate until you receive a negative test result or until 10 days after symptoms started.
  • Other members of the household must isolate until the person with symptoms has a negative test result or until 14 days after the first person started symptoms.
  • Full guidance on self-isolation is available on gov.uk.

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