A new project by researchers at the University of Oxford seeks to estimate how common coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is in the United Kingdom, and explore using a new diagnostic tool called nanopore sequencing. They are seeking volunteers aged 18 years or older who have never been diagnosed with COVID-19 to volunteer.
If you are interested in participating, please read their application form. If you live in the study area, which includes the RG4 post code area, you are invited to read the information and apply. Selected participants will be mailed a testing kit by courier with instructions, throat swabs and a finger-prick test for self-collection at home. They will also ask you to complete a short questionnaire on the day of collection. A courier will pick up the test kit the following day.
It is important to note test results are not shared with individual volunteers.
The tests are research-grade and not an alternative to advice on when to seek medical attention. Participating in the study does not replace current public health advice on social distancing, testing and when to contact a health care provider. For the latest advice please visit NHS 111 online.