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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

What happens when there are no more lateral flow tests?

95 replies

ARicher22 · 01/01/2022 09:47

Pretty much as the title says...

Me and DD are supposed to both test before she attends nursery, as part of nursery policy.
Some family members have covid, though I don't think we are close contacts as havnt seen them for a few days before they tested positive, but we can't test so have no idea if we are spreading it.
I care for an elderly family member so try to be a little cautious with covid anyway.

There are no lateral flow tests anywhere near me, I've been visiting pharmacy's for a few days trying, I check the gov site regular but no luck.

Is it just supposed to be business as normal as I don't know if I have covid or not as I have no way of finding out?

AIBU - Stop what you are doing!! Act as if covid positive
YANBU- carry on as usual, you don't know you have covid

OP posts:
Hospedia · 01/01/2022 09:50

Carry on as normal, what else can you do? It's not a situation of your making. Obviously if you had reason to think you might have covid then change that plan but in the meantime crack on.

I know several people at the minute who have had positive LFTs but can't get a PCR to confirm the results.

tiredanddangerous · 01/01/2022 09:50

Well the number of new infections will drop, won't it? Yay for Boris.

Presumably all the other parents at nursery will be having the same issue and nursery will be aware.

Xmasiscancelledagain · 01/01/2022 09:51

Go for a PCR. Not rocket science.

HailAdrian · 01/01/2022 09:53

It's a great plan, rationing tests so we no longer know whether we have covid or one of hundreds of other viruses and have to get on with things regardless.

Hospedia · 01/01/2022 09:53

Go for a PCR. Not rocket science.

Before every nursery session? Really?

Original poster
ARicher22 · 01/01/2022 09:53

I was torn over whether rto ask nursery, if I had reason to believe DD might have covid I would keep her off, though it would cause me alot of financial problems. But if they say she can't go in as I can't test, I can't afford to take more time off work unnecessarily Sad

OP posts:
Lockdownbear · 01/01/2022 09:54

@Xmasiscancelledagain

Go for a PCR. Not rocket science.
Why go for a PCR if she has no reason to think she is actually positive?
Mybalconyiscracking · 01/01/2022 09:54

You check yourself for symptoms and you get on with your lives. If people ask about LFTs you lie!
We should be saving the things for specific encounters with vulnerable people.
I would not be testing for nursery.

Pumperthepumper · 01/01/2022 09:55

@Xmasiscancelledagain

Go for a PCR. Not rocket science.
There’s a PCR shortage too. And you can’t get a PCR every time you’re due to be somewhere if you don’t have symptoms.
ElfAndSafetyBored · 01/01/2022 09:55

I’ve just ordered some from gov.uk

Oakdog · 01/01/2022 09:56

Keep checking site for postal tests. I got some at 4.50pm yesterday after not being able to for a few days.

Lockdownbear · 01/01/2022 09:56

I think it's a bit much to expect nursery kids to test every day anyway. Some kids really won't tolerate it.

Alaimo · 01/01/2022 09:57

Have you been around family members in the 48 hours before they started to experience covid symptoms? If yes, then i think you should be careful for the next week or so, if not, then just carry on as normal.

eitak22 · 01/01/2022 09:58

Keep checking the government website and order some and keep ringing pharmacies as they get new deliveries in most days.

SavoyCabbage · 01/01/2022 09:58

The nursery will have to change their policy. It's daft to expect everyone to test their dc when there are no tests.

Justmuddlingalong · 01/01/2022 09:58

My order's just went through on the government website 10 minutes ago. Check whenever you're online throughout the day.

gogohm · 01/01/2022 09:59

I ordered a box online yesterday, check back later in the day

WhatsWrongWithMyUsername · 01/01/2022 10:00

Keep trying to order them online. One minute they’re available and the next they’re not, but then they’re available again later.

I ordered some 20 mins ago. DH tried 5 mins later for a family member and they were gone again.

Offmyfence · 01/01/2022 10:01

@Xmasiscancelledagain

Go for a PCR. Not rocket science.
How would that work on a daily basis? It's not rocket science to realise it wouldn't!

OP nursery are being unreasonable!

Whichcatthatcat · 01/01/2022 10:01

I can't order any on the gov website, it says

Sorry, there are no home delivery slots left for these tests right now

The 119 service does not have access to more home delivery slots right now.

You cannot order tests from NHS 111 or 999.

So its going to be a big problem when dc return to school and nursery all over the country next week

UpDownRound · 01/01/2022 10:01

@SavoyCabbage

The nursery will have to change their policy. It's daft to expect everyone to test their dc when there are no tests.
I'm sure it says on the gov website that LFTs aren't for under 5s anyway?
PurpleHouse1 · 01/01/2022 10:02

Honestly we can't just start acting as though anyone and everyone is Covid positive because of lack of tests when you have no reason to believe she is. That's utterly ridiculous.

Honestly I'd just carry on as normal. You can't go for a PCR every time you want to leave the house because there are no LFTs available. Plus they are like gold dust too at the moment.

Scarby9 · 01/01/2022 10:03

Just keep trying the online ordering. I was able to order a postal delivery yesterday lunchtime after a couple of days of none.

Mosaic123 · 01/01/2022 10:04

I had that message a few times and then, by some miracle, the next time I checked I was able to order. I felt like I'd won a prize.

Underthestairsbears · 01/01/2022 10:05

Under 5s do not need to take lateral flow tests. It isn't great for the staff but it's not something you should be made to do.