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Original poster

Christmas morning Covid test being demanded

859 replies

Quarks69 · 22/12/2021 08:27

Is everyone else having these? My sister in law has demanded this from my side of the family as her elderly parents are going to be at the dinner. With a family of five and three are my busy teens I am worried that we could end up with no xmas day if one of us is asymptomatic (for the second year running obvs).

I do get that we are in bonkers times, but Was so looking Forward to seeing everyone, including my parents, that this is making me cross...isn’t this the point of the jabs!?

OP posts:
SilverRingahBells · 22/12/2021 09:16

@icedcoffees

I wouldn't test nor would I ask anyone else to take one.

I've been flamed for that on here before but I don't mix with anyone vulnerable and I think we're all adults and capable of deciding whether to socialise or not. If someone had symptoms I would expect them to isolate but I wouldn't ask someone who was asymptomatic and healthy to take a test. The plastic waste is insane for one thing, and they're always accurate either.

Your choices aren't really relevant to this thread though are they? Because the OP is mixing with vulnerable elderly relatives.
PlanktonsComputerWife · 22/12/2021 09:16

I would be irritated, too.

I'd rather shit in my hands and clap than go to my SIL's for Christmas, though, so I'd be glad of the escape route!

Bumpsadaisie · 22/12/2021 09:17

@Quarks69

Even if everyone is jabbed it is a nasty bug and can make you feel rubbish for a week or two or three. I wouldn't want to pass it on especially to an elderly person.

Testing is sensible. It would be a shame to have to change your plans but not the end of the world.

Original poster
Quarks69 · 22/12/2021 09:17

@FreeBritnee

I think talking about her ‘demanding’ that testing is done us being a little melodramatic. I assume she is asking everyone attending to do LFTs before they come which sounds entirely sensible.
Why is using the word ‘demanding’ dramatic. It means we can’t go unless we do it. As opposed to ‘asking’ which is just a request.

Anyhoo, ignoring the usual abusive comments, which always assume the poster is a monster, thanks for the replies.

I am genuinely surprised at how many lfts are being done. We have a mild variant and assuming vaccinated Contacts little chance of serious illness..I can see now how the populace are arguing themselves into a Potential lockdown.

OP posts:
Staryflight445 · 22/12/2021 09:17

How can people not understand that selfish behaviour like this is what is causing such spread and delaying our independence?

As long as you’re alright though op 🤨

CrapDrawer · 22/12/2021 09:17

@Iwonder08

No, I wouldn't ask my guests to test. Vulnerable people should assess their own risk and don't join any gatherings if they are worried.
It people could test and make sure that everyone is safe and that vulnerable people don’t have to be excluded that would be nice though right. Is your attitude really: “Ah sorry, you are immunocompromised. Fuck you. Have Christmas on your own. We don’t want to risk out Christmas being spoiled just so we can keep you safe.” ?
Rainbowabacus1 · 22/12/2021 09:17

Please test! I lost my triple jabbed father to covid very recently. Jabs don’t prevent it or stop it spreading. It can get you even if not classed as old or vulnerable.

We always test before we go anywhere, it’s the sensible and responsible thing to do. Smile

QueenofLouisiana · 22/12/2021 09:17

Yes, we are testing too. I don’t know anyone who isn’t doing that to be honest.

Staryflight445 · 22/12/2021 09:18

‘ I am genuinely surprised at how many lfts are being done. We have a mild variant and assuming vaccinated Contacts little chance of serious illness..I can see now how the populace are arguing themselves into a Potential lockdown.’

Are you serious op?

Staryflight445 · 22/12/2021 09:18

I mean… if you don’t understand now you probably never will.

Toplowlight · 22/12/2021 09:18

I have a lot of faith in the jabs. But we know that while they reduce transmission and lessen the severity of the illness, they don’t prevent it completely and some vulnerable people who have the jabs will still die if they get the virus.

I’m not worried about myself, or even my parents. But I am worried about my newborn nephew who has only just come out of hospital. I am worried about my 94 year old grandmother and my 92 year old great auntie. I am worried about the people I don’t even know who I could transmit to.

The whole point of testing is to catch you if you are asymptomatic. You wouldn’t go and stay if you had symptoms or knew you were positive, despite your faith in the jabs. Testing is preventing the exact same scenario.

My husband and I have tested every week, and additionally before any event where we’re spending time in close proximity with other people. It takes a few seconds, and it gives us peace of mind that we aren’t putting anyone’s lives at risk.

NovemberNovemberDarkNights · 22/12/2021 09:19

@Iwonder08

No, I wouldn't ask my guests to test. Vulnerable people should assess their own risk and don't join any gatherings if they are worried.
So SIL's parents shouldn't spend Christmas with their daughter because she's invited the OP's family. - who could simply test, but don't want to incase it spoils being hosted for Christmas?

I do think you selfish stupid people should just stay home & not inflict yourselves on others because a 2 minute test is too much for you.

GrandmasCat · 22/12/2021 09:19

We have been doing it for every big get together we have with friends from the summer, it is not such a big deal!

With elderly parents and teenagers you have a bad combination if the latter are going out and meeting friends in good numbers, going to a big party without doing tests could be literally lethal so… so what if you stay at home with your kids if one is infected, do you want to know one was infected when all of you start getting positive tests?

NerrSnerr · 22/12/2021 09:19

A lot of people we know have tested positive this week including my children's school friends so we're testing once a day. I have two triple vaccinated friends who are positive and still feel really quite unwell so don't want to inflict that on others if we can help it.

Mittenmob · 22/12/2021 09:19

I'd be buying Xmas dinner and doing it at home, save all the stress of tests and potential positives.

Shodan · 22/12/2021 09:19

I don't routinely test before seeing people, but would do if they asked it of me, no matter what my personal thoughts on the matter might be.

Alayalaya · 22/12/2021 09:20

@Iwonder08

No, I wouldn't ask my guests to test. Vulnerable people should assess their own risk and don't join any gatherings if they are worried.
That is really very nasty. You are suggesting that vulnerable people should stay home alone over the holidays so others don’t have to do a quick and simple test. Thankfully most people are happy to do such an easy test in order for beloved family members to join them.
icedcoffees · 22/12/2021 09:20

@SilverRingahBells my apologies, I didn't realise you were the thread police Wink

Vulnerable elderly relatives are also perfectly capable of deciding whether they want people to test or not before visiting, so I don't see that my comment is irrelevant.

My in-laws actually are vulnerable and although we won't be seeing them on Christmas Day, I have seen them 4-5 days a week, every week since this whole thing started and none of us have ever taken a test before doing so 🤷🏻‍♀️

MintJulia · 22/12/2021 09:20

To answer your second question, yes, before we visit anyone's house or anywhere inside we each take an LFT. It takes minutes.

As for xmas lunch, buy a large chicken, some pigs in blankets, mince pies and ice cream on Friday morning. Veggies too if you don't already have them. If you don't then need them, put them in the freezer. Nothing will go to waste.

NovemberNovemberDarkNights · 22/12/2021 09:21

@AngryWithH

Just say you have - she can hardly demand to see the tests.
I'm running out of words for idiots who LIE about testing
Holly60 · 22/12/2021 09:21

I wonder if your SIL is hoping one of you is positive… you sound delightful Hmm

Gunpowder · 22/12/2021 09:21

Sounds really sensible to me and it’s not a massive inconvenience unless you have sensory issues/some other reason it’s tricky.

Apart from the four year olds who scream blue murder every time they are swabbed, (we just PCR them if they symptomatic or close contacts) we’ve been testing every time we know we are going to see people inside. Covid is rife where we live so it seems like the thing to do. I know LFTs don’t pick up all the cases but they do help - the news about Liverpool having lower incidences of Covid following their LFT pilot suggests this anyway. Whatever you believe though, wouldn’t you want your family to feel reassured and comfortable? I really don’t think it’s worth falling out over.

CrapDrawer · 22/12/2021 09:21

@Staryflight445

How can people not understand that selfish behaviour like this is what is causing such spread and delaying our independence?

As long as you’re alright though op 🤨

Quite. This thread is full of people who don’t want their own lives to change or to be inconvenienced in any way but who seem to have zero awareness, or maybe simply just don’t care, that they are the kind of people who are making this go on the way it is. If everyone just did their best and tried to give a bit of a shit about people outside their own immediate social circle, then things might be better and safer for everyone. Bet half of them were out clapping for the NHS last year. 🙄
Toplowlight · 22/12/2021 09:22

I am genuinely surprised at how many lfts are being done. We have a mild variant and assuming vaccinated Contacts little chance of serious illness..I can see now how the populace are arguing themselves into a Potential lockdown.

Do you really not see how much more likely a further lockdown is if everyone follows your practice and refuses to test in case they are positive and have to cancel plans? One of the best ways to avoid lockdown is to test regularly and thereby reduce transmission. Burying your head in the sand and continuing to spread the virus because you don’t want your plans to be wrecked is the kind of behaviour that might result in an enforced lockdown because people can’t be trusted to behave responsibly.

Gunpowder · 22/12/2021 09:22

they’re