Working in a Covid Centre

[Olympicfan]

DC has just got a job working in a Covid Centre as a Gap Year job. Well travelling is off the cards so they are keen to earn some money.

Not sure how I feel about it.

Anyone work in one and can give some insight?

[pandafunfactory]

Track and trace or a test centre?

[pandafunfactory]

If a test centre then no issues, it's brief contact in PPE. Good way to earn tbh. If track and trace no different from any other call centre. I work operationally In a hospital though so my risk matrix is defo skewed!

[Olympicfan]

Test centre operative- queue management, cleaning, handing out self test kits etc.

[pandafunfactory]

Well that's fine then. All PPE laden and steady work atm!

[Olympicfan]

Is it all outside? Warm clothing I presume is a must and good boots.

[BumblePan]

Get socks with a high wool content

[Olympicfan]

Has anyone been to a testing centre?

DS was telling a friend about his new job. The friend said when they were tested at one and there were lots of people vomiting as a result of the test- swab down throat. Friend said DS will probably be spending 12 hours a day clearing up sick.

Really??

[Hoppinggreen]

I got a random test at an airport last week and didn’t feel the urge to gag at all

[Saucery]

Friend was being a dick. No way do that many people vomit, even if the test makes you gag.
They are not going to take any chances with the level of PPE required or cleaning regimes. They will have strict protocols.
Even the drive through test centre I went to had the people directing traffic in mask and gloves.

[TOADfan]

Sorry but I can attest to the throwing up..and wetting my myself but that was for me to clean 😂

[Olympicfan]

@TOADfan nice!

[DrMadelineMaxwell]

At the local test centre here (drive through) you do the swabbing yourself and the people who work there are there to guide you through the process. They give out the packs (at arms length through the narrowest gap in your window) then someone else talks you (through closed window) how to do the test. Then a third person holds out at arms length 2 boxes. Your rubbish goes in one box and your completed test goes in the other.

Very safe and all outdoors and at a distance, with masks worn.

[LemonySippet]

When we went to one it was minimal contact, they were testing my husband who was in the passenger seat and they passed the test to me through an inch gap in the driver's window. The rest of the time they spoke to us through closed windows. We had to drop the test in a bucket on a table as we drove off. It was unbelievably well organised.

I don't know if they rotate jobs but some people had jobs such as holding up signs saying "Keep your windows closed", some were directing traffic (although there were only 2 cars there so it wasn't exactly hectic!), some were scanning the bar codes through the window, some explaining instructions through the windows.

If it's well paid I'd think it's not a bad job apart from being bloody freezing through winter!

[Bluewavescrashing]

Sheepskin insoles are great for keeping feet warm.

[GloGirl]

My local test centre we have to test ourselves.

Its not somewhere I would rush out to work but I didnt feel like they were at risk from me. Not sure if they have difficult patients or rare incidences that put them at risk? I would say 90% of the job would be absolutely fine. Just not sure of the other 10%.

Tell your daughter if she takes it up- thank you from me. Brave people like her keep our world turning

[MrsGradyOldLady]

It's an easy job I guess but he'll be bored I would guess. I've been twice now to a test centre and both times I was literally the only customer. About 10-12 staff stood there doing absolutely nothing. Easy money I suppose but personally I would be bored shitless. I think most people would as it's actually quite tiring being idle.

[BakedBeeeen]

I think this would look great on his CV. Gap year travelling plans not worked out, so he’s found himself employment in a really important role during this pandemic. Good on him!

[Olympicfan]

Thank you for all the useful info. It has been very reassuring.

It is well paid for an 18 year old. £9.50 per hour, 8am-8pm 3.5 days a week working and 3.5 days off (warming up and sleeping!!). So about £1600 a month (tax free as first job).

I am sure he will be bored and cold, but as with any job he will learn some great life skills. He is focusing on what he will spend the money on!