Manager keeps booking Covid tests for me

[Jimbellselmbath]

We have on site covid testing at my work. No need for symptoms, anybody can have one. A few people go just for 20 minutes away, most don't want one as they do not want to isolate and lose 2 weeks wage (plus partners wage I suppose) if they were to test positive with no symptoms.

Anyway, I don't think they are getting the uptake they anticipated and suspect there are targets managers are being given for testing.
I keep getting texts saying 'your covid test has been booked for xyz' I have not attended any of them.
I had a message on my screen yesterday from my manager saying 'can you do me a favor, I have booked you a covid test for xyz' I still didn't go, manager is off site and there is no way of replying to her.
Today I got a text saying my test has been booked and I must attend even if i do not plan on taking the test (automated type texts- cannot reply)
I don't know whether to go or not. I won't be having the test but I don't think the testers would have any way of stopping these messages as surely they don't have access to that system?
Manager isn't in today, we only cross paths about once a month, i wouldn't know how to contact her outside of this. There are other managers who are more accessible, should I ask those? Is it an HR matter? Do I just keep ignoring the messages as they have not been promoted by me? I feel like complaining about the sneakyness of it all but I don't know who to.
What would you do?

It's not much. It's fine. Less than losing two weeks money at work that's for sure. And in the interests of the wider community, it's the right thing to do.

Caroncarona Absolutely. However, I feel that point will be ignored by the posters who just don’t think we understand.

Have you considered that those who disagree with you understand exactly what you are saying but still think the OP is reasonable in refusing a test? Or do you honestly think that if everyone understood your point we'd all agree

This is what so many people do these days. A distinct lack of critical thinking skills. They simply can't understand that there are different points of view to their own. And if only they could make us understand then we would be compelled to see the error of our ways. Because there's no other correct viewpoint. Only theirs.

This is why Covid keeps spreading. You do get asymptomatic spread so I think you have a social responsibility to get tested whenever asked

I wonder how many of those who are so critical of the OP are actually getting tested weekly despite having no symptoms. After all, you could be walking around symptomatically and infect half of the shoppers in Tesco. That would be hugely unresponsible by your own standards. And after all, the cost of a private test will be much less than the loss of earnings (and getting SSP instead) so no biggie. And doesn't matter if you cannot pay your rent or put food on the table. You could save someone's life which is far more important!

Can I have a show of hands please?

chopc How often do you get tested?

Just wondering... Have any of you heard of game theory and/or the Prisoners' Dilemma? :)

PurplePi Oh, we have to answer your questions when you won’t answer ours?

I have not been asked and without being asked i have not had any symptoms to initiate a test myself. But I do plan on participating fully in the effort to overcome Covid

Son got a letter to volunteer to have a test and he has registered

chopc But why do you need asked? Don’t you have a social responsibility to stop the spread, so get tested regularly privately?

I have not been asked and without being asked i have not had any symptoms to initiate a test myself.

have you considered that you are an asymptomatic case and the potential to infect others? Your double standards are nauseating

Gosh your lack of understanding is worse

If I had access to testing whilst I am asymptomatic I would. As far as I know you need to be symptomatic to request a test

@Nicknacky if you are volunteering to pay for my tests - I think local private tests are £180, I would

@Pumkinseed of course. Which is why I follow social distancing etc and not bg a Covid hypocrite.

I am astounded at the stupidity of some people here

chopc Got it. It’s ok for others to be financially penalised but not yourself. Those people are selfish, but you aren’t.

So much for social responsibility.

if you are volunteering to pay for my tests - I think local private tests are £180, I would

Pay for your own tests if you feel there's a social responsibility to have them. I think it's really selfish of you not to get it done tbh.

@Caroncarona

Do you really think getting behind with the bills and using a food bank is an equal hardship to someone losing a long one. Or someone having long Covid?

Ahh, so not only is the op infectious with her lack of symptoms, she's also potentially likely to kill someone too. I hope you're getting weekly tests too right?

I think that the harms caused to people through no income can indeed be an equal hardship. An income is somewhat necessary to feed yourself, pay your bills, heat your home and keep a roof over your head.

I would love to have weekly tests done. Unfortunately I am not in a workplace that is providing/offering them. And being on a pension ( I don’t know why people assume that all people in receipt of a pension are rich!) I could not afford to pay for weekly private tests. Employees who are offered regular testing by their employers are in a privileged position and would do well to realise that.

ilovemypantry But I thought taking a financial hit was just part of social responsibility to stop the spread?

So you expect others to go without money but not yourself. Now that’s selfish. And completely hypocritical.

I’m leaving this thread....I cannot bear reading the bleatings of self centred, selfish, irresponsible idiots that are hell bent on keeping this deadly virus alive. I’m no big fan of the government but they really are fighting a losing battle when so many people have this selfish attitude.
Btw...I’m off to stock up my pantry in case lockdown lasts a bit longer than anticipated.

And being on a pension ( I don’t know why people assume that all people in receipt of a pension are rich!) I could not afford to pay for weekly private tests.

Eh? It doesn't matter about the money though. It's about social responsibility. That's far more important. You said so yourself? Why have you changed your mind

Btw...I’m off to stock up my pantry in case lockdown lasts a bit longer than anticipated.

Now that is selfish. Emptying the shelves of the supermarket so others can't get food, just so your pantry is stocked. If you were a community minded person you'd donate that food to the foodbank, so the people who have lost their wages for two weeks can eat as well.

ilovemypantry I presume I’m one of those you refer to. Please tell me where I have been irresponsible or an idiot?

My work involved visiting care homes and hospital wards...several in a day. I'm not tested by my employer despite having the potential to catch it and spread it around.. a client of mine tested positive and I had been in contact with them that week. Employer advice was I didn't need to SI or do a test unless I had symptoms...which I think is utter madness.. in your case you don't need to have the test.

I think your employer should offer it manxious. I think you can get it free and without symptoms in your type of job, if your employer requests that you get one.