DD works in a Covid Test Centre AMA

[Testcentremum]

DD has just finished a 13 hr Christmas Eve shift and will be working at the test centre tomorrow. AMA

If I don't know the answer, I will ask DD!

What is the most memorable conversation she's had with someone?

What happens if people don't answer theie phones, can they still be fined?

Oh hang on, I misread didn't I, so they do the actual covid tests... sorry!

Ok, can people just turn up on the offchance or will they get turned away?

No. All covid tests have to be booked online.

DD works at a drive through test centre. There is no small talk with people coming for tests, just instructions given clearly through a small gap in a one inch wound down car window.

Are they operating at capacity? The one just around the corner from us always seems empty but I have been called for tests a few times and it always says it is fully booked and asks me to go elsewhere.

The test centre is very busy (750-1000 tests being carried out each day).
There were 350 tests done on Christmas day in the 6 hours of opening.
DD has come home early on a couple of occasions as no more tests were booked in and all the other jobs for the day were done.

Very little thanks is given for the people stood out in all weathers for 13 hours at the testing centres.

I had an assisted test done today. Everyone working there was doing a great job. The lady who performed my test made it really easy for me. Please say thank you to your daughter.

I went to a drive through one on Boxing Day. I was astonished the young people working there (they were all young) just had regular masks. No other PPE. Does she feel vulnerable? Please thank her. I thanked the staff profusely at our centre.

@MrsWonderland and @Dorisdaydream2 thank you for your comments.

DD feels quite sate. At the drive through centre she works at, car windows are only wound down a minimal amount. She does not work at the 'assisted' part. Those staff members have additional training and more PPE.

DD rotates round jobs, car park management, reading bar codes and giving test instructions, making up test kits, cleaning etc.

Most of the staff are young- medical students from the local university, lots of ex- cabin crew and gap year students. DD is on a gap year...not the one she hoped for!

The covid centre looks after the staff. Hot meals are provided plus chocolate bars and fruit!