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Original poster

Working in a Covid Centre

18 replies

Olympicfan · 27/10/2020 20:03

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?

OP posts:
pandafunfactory · 27/10/2020 20:10

Track and trace or a test centre?

pandafunfactory · 27/10/2020 20:12

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!

Original poster
Olympicfan · 27/10/2020 20:13

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

OP posts:

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Covid-19 Jobs
pandafunfactory · 27/10/2020 20:15

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

Original poster
Olympicfan · 27/10/2020 20:19

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

OP posts:
BumblePan · 27/10/2020 20:33

Get socks with a high wool content

Original poster
Olympicfan · 28/10/2020 17:00

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??

OP posts:
Hoppinggreen · 28/10/2020 17:03

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

Saucery · 28/10/2020 17:04

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 · 28/10/2020 17:05

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

Original poster
Olympicfan · 28/10/2020 17:18

@TOADfan nice! Confused

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DrMadelineMaxwell · 28/10/2020 23:41

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 · 29/10/2020 01:03

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 · 29/10/2020 01:06

Sheepskin insoles are great for keeping feet warm.

GloGirl · 29/10/2020 01:11

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 Flowers

MrsGradyOldLady · 29/10/2020 01:18

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 · 29/10/2020 08:28

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!

Original poster
Olympicfan · 29/10/2020 09:02

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!

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