Ordering tests when not eligible

[TJH130]

So we know there are some proper wackos on this site, but will any of them admit to doing this?

Has anyone ordered a CV19 test just because they could? If so why did you?

For clarity I mean people who aren’t key workers, given how quickly they go it must be being abused

[Floatyboat]

I get the impression lots of people tried to get one even though they weren't symptomatic within the correct time frame.

[TJH130]

I wonder though how many people just thought “I need to stock up on tests”

[Aroundtheworldin80moves]

Do you mean the home tests?

I think there was some misunderstanding on the drive through tests, people thinking they could see if they had already had it or thinking 'key' workers had to be tested. Probably increase now they've extended it to all over 65s (and care homes, but sort of surprised they weren't already included!)

[nether]

What I don't get is why it's been extended to over 65s and their households, but not the shield population and their households

Anyone kniw? (Or have I just missed an announcement?)

[loobyloo1234]

The shielding population presumably won’t be showing symptoms (as they haven’t been anywhere) so the test becomes redundant surely?

It’s only 65’s and over if they have symptoms

[loobyloo1234]

The requirements for tests is as per this

[Laniakea]

I’m amazed anyone can get them.

I was referred for one - couldn’t get the home test because the credit agency (?) they use couldn’t verify (?) my identity despite NI number etc. And then couldn’t get a drive through test because I’m not a key worker. I cannot face the whole 111/GP again so whatevs, I’m knackered enough without fighting a stupid system.

[WanderingMilly]

I also couldn't get one because the weird agency which is supposed to verify who I am couldn't find me, despite my NI number....
Gave up....

[TJH130]

I think the tests for key workers should only be available through the employer, that way would prevent people just randomly ordering them because they want one

[TJH130]

@loobyloo1234 thats the current eligibility but before that it was more restricted (key workers) however the tests were cleared quicker than toilet roll from supermarket shelves.

It was then highlighted that anyone could order them without any checks other than via the credit checking agency.

[mrpumblechook]

What I don't get is why it's been extended to over 65s and their households, but not the shield population and their households

I thought that. Hopefully the people who are shielded will not get infected anyway (though there is no guarantee ) but plenty of younger people have underlying conditions that would make them as vulnerable as those over 65.

[loobyloo1234]

I was replying to nether OP She seemed to think if you were shielding you should be able to get a test

I have no doubt people will be abusing the system though. Thats what fear does to people unfortunately

[OneMomentInHistory]

Even if just key workers, I read along with the announcement that there are around 10 million key workers. Plus their families. We have a population of 65 million - so that's probably approaching half the country eligible. So whilst I'm sure there are, inevitably, some people ordering tests when they're not eligible, I don't think them going quickly is proof the system is being widely abused.