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Lockdown restrictions are in effect across Britain until at least May 7. This means Britons are required to stay at home in order to slow the spread of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save
lives. But can you still get a smear test during the lockdown period? The UK, like other countries around the world, has entered unprecedented times meaning people have been forced to
relinquish certain freedoms. In March, Prime Minister Boris Johnson placed the UK on a police-enforced lockdown. From that moment, people were only permitted to leave their homes for “very
limited purposes”. These reasons include: * Shopping for basic necessities * One form of exercise a day * Any medical need * Travelling for work purposes. Since the implementation of these
restrictions, the Government has faced a backlash from members of the public for the ambiguity of these rules and what exactly is classified by each purpose. READ MORE: SADIQ KHAN URGES
POLICE TO EXPLAIN CORONAVIRUS RULES Medical appointments remain one of the few reasons you are permitted to leave your home. However, this does not mean business as usual at your local GP,
hospital or dentist. To limit the spread of COVID-19, the government is advising everyone to “access medical assistance remotely, wherever possible”. Additionally, those exhibiting symptoms
of the virus are advised to avoid visiting a GP surgery and instead use the NHS 111 tool. Given how much pressure the NHS is currently under and how this may worsen in the coming weeks, all
non-urgent operations have now been postponed for three months. In these unusual circumstances, it is right that cervical screening appointments are postponed. The current pressure on the
NHS means many resources are needed to tackle coronavirus. It is also important that you and health workers are as protected as possible from coronavirus which means trying to adhere to
government advice to stay at home as much as possible. Many appointments in the cervical screening programme have been postponed, with cervical screening now paused in Scotland, Wales and
Northern Ireland. If you have a smear test booked in England, it is likely your appointment will be delayed if resources are not available. The current guidance from the(British Society for
Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (BSCCP) is that screening may have to go on hold for the time being. There is no definitive and universal answer about this and instead depends on each
clinic and your screening appointment. For most people, this would mean their local GP surgery and therefore, if that surgery is understaffed, your appointment will likely be postponed until
a later date. If you are unsure, you are advised to contact your GP to check with them directly. HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET A CERVICAL SCREEN CHECK? All women and people with a cervix aged 25
to 64 should be invited to undertake a smear test by letter. You will be invited on a fixed schedule which is determined by age as follows: * Under 25: You are invited up to six months
before you turn 25 * 25 to 49: You are invited every three years * 50 to 64: You are invited every five years * 65 or older You are invited only if one of your last three tests was abnormal.