The HSE is no longer supplying COVID-19 antigen test kits.
Read our advice on using COVID-19 antigen tests bought in a pharmacy or shop.
Clinical settings
Each service must follow HPSC guidance for acute respiratory infections.
Testing should only be done when it’s clinically needed, required in a particular setting, or part of managing an outbreak.
If you test positive
If you test postive for COVID-19, you should:
- stay home while you have symptoms
- return to work only when your symptoms have fully or mostly gone for at least 48 hours (there is no fixed isolation period)
For most people, symptoms take up to 5 days to fully or mostly go away, but recovery can vary.
If your test is negative
If your test is negative, you should stay at home and avoid contact until 48 hours after symptoms have fully or mostly gone.
You can return to work if:
- you do not have a high temperature
- you feel well enough to perform your duties
If you work with immunocompromised patients, ask your line manager for a risk assessment before returning.