Symptoms, testing and self-isolation

If you're self-isolating for any reason, or if you have symptoms, please tell the University.

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Students

You must complete the form when you begin self-isolating, even if you don't have symptoms – for example, if you've been identified as a contact and asked to self-isolate by NHS track and trace or if someone in your household has symptoms and is waiting for test results.
If you develop symptoms while self-isolating, please complete the form again.

Once you've completed the online form, the University will contact you to offer support. We're offering daily welfare check-ins for all students who are self-isolating, to make sure you receive the support you need.

Staff

Notify your line manager as soon as possible.

Full step-by-step guidance for individuals, line managers and faculties/departments can be found on our managing a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19 protocol.

What to do if you have symptoms

1. Stay at home and self-isolate if you have:

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

NHS guidance on self-isolating

2. Book an NHS test straight away to check if you have coronavirus, however mild your symptoms

Tests are free. If you are a student, give your term-time address.

Get a free PCR test online on GOV.UK. Call 119 if you don't have internet access.

If you are a student on a clinical placement, your academic department may advise you on alternative arrangements for testing.

Please don't get a test at our Covid-19 Testing Centre. This test centre is only available to University of Sheffield students and staff who are not showing any Covid-19 symptoms.

3. Inform the University that you have symptoms, or if you are isolating

This will enable us to monitor for positive Covid-19 cases for track and trace purposes, and provide you with any support you may need.

Who can't get a free PCR test

You can't get a free NHS test (also known as a PCR test) unless you have symptoms, or you've been asked to by your local council, or you've been told to by your hospital, or you're taking part in a government pilot project. This applies even if:

you live with someone who has coronavirus
you’ve had close contact with someone who has coronavirus
you’ve come to the UK from a high risk country
you’re planning to leave the country

If you develop symptoms, you should only then order a PCR test.