To be angry that there are no tests

[whyohwhydidieatthatpie]

I can't fathom it. Schools have just gone back. Something we've known will happen for months. Predictably kids catch colds, symptoms overlap with Covid-19. Parents are trying to do the right thing and get their kids tested before sending them into school. I have tried many, many times now. I cannot get a test, no home test kits available, no drive through appointments or walk through appointments. Am I the only one this is happening to?!

I just can't understand how, when testing was identified as a key failing the first time round, we seem to be so ill prepared for inevitable increased demand as schools start back. Sorry, I'm just venting.

There’s this stupid little bit that says “don’t use if you haven’t got symptoms / you haven’t been told to” / “don’t use because you’re going on holiday, you can pay privately” but nothing to stop people doing just that.

I mean, people aren’t going to pay if they can get away with it, are they?

This whole thing is an utter shambles and it is very easy to get angry about it!

Yes it's so unorganised and unprepared. I don't think anyone knows what they're doing. I know a few parents who have got private tests done for themselves/dcs but it costs a fortune.

Mixed fortunes here. Managed to get a test BUT no results yet so the wait goes on. Glad to see the issue is receiving a lot more attention now. I really hope the issue can be fixed soon. It doesn't feel like there's much point sending them into school if we will have to go into repeated prolonged periods of self isolation.

Fatigue, headache, vomiting and sore throat are actually classic symptoms of Covid in children, who present differently from adults, according to research released by Tim Spector from KCL last week. So maybe everyone laying into @FreshfieldsGal would like to apologise and wish her son well.

My sister and I have been exposed to someone with a positive test, so are trying to get tested as she has a high temp and I have no sense of smell or taste . She managed to get a test earlier today, just 30 mins after trying to book, and will get her results in a day or so. When I tried 5 mins later it said there were “no test sites”.

Meanwhile she went and was told that they have empty slots all afternoon.

The sheer incompetence of the booking system is staggering and people will die as a consequence.

What do you mean “exposed to”?

If you meet the requirements of Track and Trace they should contact you and arrange tests for you.

Oh that’s interesting thank you.

It’s one of the parents in our DC class bubble. Sister and I went for a drink with her on the basis that our DC are together all day anyway. She’s told me about her test, I have heard nothing from the bar or Track and Trace though, can I chase a test that way?

We sat outside and across the table from her, so not exactly close, but probably within the distancing guideline.

DS’ test result should come through in a day or so. In the meantime we’re not seeing anyone at all or going out, and I am trying the website repeatedly. At least I can work from home easily. I’m hoping it’s just a cold, as the DC have had one, but now we know our friend has tested positive, obviously we can’t risk relying on that assumption

We sat outside and across the table from her, so not exactly close, but probably within the distancing guideline.

Can I ask why the sigh? I do find it a bit patronising, sorry! I haven’t been out at all since March, and when I did go, it was in an approved number with 2 people whom I see 5 days a week and whose DC are in the same class as mine anyway.

I haven’t been out, haven’t been on holiday, haven’t been to any parties, haven’t been to the gym, have worked alone from home all day everyday, it’s been pretty rough, as it has for everyone, I know. Now I know there is a risk of transmission, so isolated as soon as my friend told me. And I am clicking refresh all day long trying to get a test. I really don’t think I could have done much more but now I feel even worse