To ask guests to take lateral flow test?

[Blue1212]

It's our sons 1st birthday party on Saturday and we are planning a get together in the back garden.

We don't have a massive garden, and although we won't be going over the numbers allowed, it could be difficult for everyone to distance.

My brother qmd his family, has just phoned up to cancel as their daughter has just tested positive for covid, and our dd's school has sent home two classes from her year group today.

Aibu to ask all adults attending take a lft as a precaution?

YABU. There is no need for all these people to come to a one year olds birthday anyway. If you’ve decided you want to have it and it’s under the rules then that’s fine, but I think you are unreasonable to start asking people to test to go to your baby’s party.

If you are willing to accept that some people will say no and decide not to come, then I think it's fine to ask.

It's no different from any other requirement at a party - childfree, dress code, etc. If people don't like it, they can just not come.

It wouldn't bother me personally.

Your home your choice, it’s a quick test and doing everyone a favour

People are generally being encouraged to take them twice a week, and a fair few workplaces are requiring them, so I wouldn't be surprised if people are already doing them.
There's no harm in asking, just be sure it doesn't give you a false sense of security.

@MrsPsmalls

Absolutely I would ask. It's protects them as much as you and if they don't like it they dont have to come. Your party your rules. I've been to two events now (family parties) where we all had to test before going in.

How did it protect people?

How do you know everyone took a test? And they took it correctly?

Tell them you expect this before they show up. I'd pull out and if you sprung it on me, I'd leave but pretty pissed off I went to the effort to go.

Because if you take the test on say Friday, and the party is on Sunday. You'd need to isolate? Because it doesn't show positive until a couple of days after you're infected...

Er, surely the simple solution is to take the test on the morning of the party?

Very good post from 00100001

but mainly this: causes a false sense of security that "everyone is negative"

How did it protect people?

How do you know everyone took a test? And they took it correctly?

Exactly!

@PurpleDaisies

Because if you take the test on say Friday, and the party is on Sunday. You'd need to isolate? Because it doesn't show positive until a couple of days after you're infected...

Er, surely the simple solution is to take the test on the morning of the party?

But if you caught covid on the Saturday night, your test wouldn't show as positive...you'd be a carrier and possibly have a negative test...

So what's the point?

You'd need to test 2-3 days before. Then isolate and test again on the morning of the party...

And even then, the accuracy is low, so doesn't guarantee anything anyway 🤷‍♀️

As the risk appears to be coming from the children, I’m not sure what good the adults taking a test would be to you.

I would roll my eyes at the idea, honestly. It’s outside. If you’re concerned, don’t host.

I’d feel differently if someone in your household or in the close family was particularly vulnerable. But then I suppose I’d expect you’d be planning a smaller party?

@PurpleDaisies

Because if you take the test on say Friday, and the party is on Sunday. You'd need to isolate? Because it doesn't show positive until a couple of days after you're infected...

Er, surely the simple solution is to take the test on the morning of the party?

Or just tell the host you did.

I’ve been asked to do this and was happy to do so. Think this will become more and more the norm so we now keep a box at home. You’d have to accept that some people might say no though.

@valnevavaxx

"We have to learn to live with it"- surely taking basic precautionary measures is the way to learn to live with it? Learning to live with it isn't the same as just pretending it doesn't exist anymore.

Seems like a sensible suggestion OP- people who really don't want to want come, or maybe they'll lie, but if it even catches on asymptomatic case that will save the entire party having to isolate.

But a basic precautionary measure is staying outside and keeping distance. Washing hands etc.

Not relying on an inaccurate test 🤷‍♀️

YABU. The false negative rate is over 50 percent so you're basically creating one use plastic waste for no reason

Lft are only accurate about 25% of the time (haven't looked up the statistics myself but a doctor told me this a few days ago) so fairly pointless tbh.

The lateral flow tests are pretty poor. The idea is some people who would not otherwise know they’re infectious will find out they’re positive will isolate and not potentially infect others. They’re not intended to be used as an absolute rule out covid infection so using them in the way you’re suggesting isn’t worth it.

I would turn down the invitation. The thought of taking these tests fills me with absolute horror and sends me into a panic. I have had to take one to visit my mum and it was horrendous. I have to take 3 in order to go on/come back from my holiday soon and I am dreading that.

@00100001 According to mumsnet nobody is social distancing anymore, so I doubt people will be keeping their distance.

As it’s a 1 year olds party I assume you have kids coming?

It’s an awful (not to mention inaccurate) test for kids so you can ask but as a guest I wouldn’t be doing it.

If you are that worried don't have the party.

Its kind of pointless if you've kids from other schools/nurseries there anyway.

I would see you as the risk anyway, and for that reason I'd be politely postponing.

Your party. You can ask if you want. Pointless though.

[quote valnevavaxx]@00100001 According to mumsnet nobody is social distancing anymore, so I doubt people will be keeping their distance.[/quote]
Maybe they aren't, so having a "negative" lateral flow test means nothing, if basic precautions aren't being adhered to.

As I said, it brings a false sense of security.

@SoupDragon

I would turn down the invitation. The thought of taking these tests fills me with absolute horror and sends me into a panic. I have had to take one to visit my mum and it was horrendous. I have to take 3 in order to go on/come back from my holiday soon and I am dreading that.

I have severe PTSD and feel the same. Would not take one of these tests at all for a birthday party.

I would not be going anywhere that asked me to take a test first. I would think you are nuts. I think you are nuts! Sorry.