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Fri 21 Aug 2020, 10:21 (last edited on Fri 21 Aug 2020, 10:29)

NHS Test and Trace will only ever call from the number 0300 013 5000, or you will be texted from “NHS”. Further information on the NHS Test and Trace Service. NHS Test and Trace service to form a central part of the government’s coronavirus recovery strategy; Anyone with symptoms will be tested and their close contacts will be traced. Details on how to find your nearest priority postbox are laid out clearly in the instruction booklet that arrives with your test kit. But if you’re still having trouble, you will also be able to.

Liz, The priority post boxes are the ones with later collection times. For Charlbury, this only includes the Coop and Cornbury (picks up at 16.00 and also on Saturdays). Spelsbury also is 4 p.m. The times for the others listed on this website: https://www.royalmail.com/priority-postboxes. For our postcode the late time seems to be 4 p.m.

The samples need to be tested promptly which is why the timing matters. Also I think that it's to protect our posties that certain postboxes are designated priority. They use a plastic bag & use other precautions when emtying the box.

So getting a postbox in Charlbury to be designated a priority postbox is not just a matter of re-labelling, it means getting a later collection organised for one postbox. And wouldn't that in any case be good!

The Royal Mail website is not very good (surprise, surprise), so it turns out that Enstone has a 17.00 collection (never knew that), but you can only find this information by spoofing a different address. Also Chipping Norton Delivery Office is 17.30 on a weekday & 12.00 on a Saturday.

By the way, for those who are needing a symptomatic test, I do recommend going to Water Eaton (Oxford Parkway) if you can get there (cars and vehicular access only). The test is very hard to do oneself, so I was pleased to have assistance; there was no waiting, and I had my results back in around 6 hours.

If you’ve ordered a postal test, the process couldn’t be simpler. Your testing kit will arrive with a leaflet of information, which includes clear and detailed information on what exactly you will need to do.

While the test itself is relatively simple, sending your sample back can be tricky, as you need to find a ‘priority postbox’.

So what is a priority postbox, and how can you find your nearest?

Here's everything you need to know.

What is a priority postbox?

(Image: Royal Mail)

What is a priority postbox?

The Royal Mail describes itself as a “key partner for the government's coronavirus testing programme.”

'We are collecting completed test kits from priority postboxes or from homes as part of the government programme,” it’s said.

It’s likely you’ll be asked to post your completed coronavirus test kit to one of Royal Mail’s 35,000 specially selected priority postboxes. These can be identified by the NHS/Royal Mail sticker affixed to them.

Nhs Priority Postbox Near Me Open

If you are expecting your local postbox to carry such a sticker, but you arrive to find it does not, you can still use it, though Royal Mail requests you let them know by calling 0345 266 8038 Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm.

There's nothing else special from a visual standpoint about these post boxes other than their stickers.

How does a priority postbox work?

The idea behind priority postboxes is that the Royal Mail can use them to get completed test kits back to the NHS as quickly as possible.

Designating certain post boxes as priority ones can also help to reduce the number of post boxes that are used to collect coronavirus samples.

This means fewer postboxes come into contact with the virus, thus minimising the risk of spreading the infection.

Royal Mail says it has worked “in partnership with the Chief Medical Officer to ensure that the process is safe for our colleagues.”

How do I find my nearest priority postbox?

Nhs Priority Postbox Near Me Open

(Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Details on how to find your nearest priority postbox are laid out clearly in the instruction booklet that arrives with your test kit.

Nhs Priority Postbox Near Me Address

But if you’re still having trouble, you will also be able to find your nearest priority postbox on the Royal Mail app or the Royal Mail website.

If you’re unable to access a computer or smart device, you can call 0345 266 8038.

This line is open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

Nhs Priority Postbox Near Me Hours

For more information on the Royal Mail’s priority post boxes, head to the website

Nhs Priority Postbox Near Me Hours

A version of this article originally appeared on our sister title, the Scotsman