Covid-19: Where can I get tested in France?

Members of the public cannot request a test for the virus themselves. Tests are only available on prescription and not for everyone who thinks they might have the virus.

Tests are limited to people with serious symptoms or those with less serious Covid-19 symptoms but who are: health workers; regarded as vulnerable or fragile; one of the first three people who present symptoms in a home for people regarded as fragile (care homes, homes for the elderly etc); in hospital; pregnant women; organ donors.

The test will either be taken in the hospital or by some local laboratories. If you have been given a prescription because you are in one of the cases above, do not go to the laboratory but telephone them to see if they undertake the test and ask for instructions. The test is via a nasal swab.

The Minister of Health Olivier Véran has said he is hoping they will be able to offer more tests in the future, particularly to know when a person who has had the virus is no longer an infection risk to others.

If you have a question about Covid-19 and the confinement period in France send it to news@connexionfrance.com. We will be answering questions online today and tomorrow.