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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:
WhatAHexIGotInto · 01/01/2022 10:53

If the nursery wants that policy, they need to pay for the tests, there is no way the country should subsidise the business in that way.

It's really not as simple as that. If the nursery have too many staff off with CoVID then they can't open.

Original poster
ARicher22 · 01/01/2022 10:55

Nope, no luck online again Sad

No, nursery don't ask for proof, they rely on people following the policy. It's just the risk of losing DDs place that is a concern, though I have followed their policy religiously until now.

OP posts:
fr4zzledmum · 01/01/2022 10:56

It's really not as simple as that. If the nursery have too many staff off with CoVID then they can't open.

Thats presuming that the Staff are catching it from the kids though?

Our nursery really haven't helped themselves and have barely followed their protocols for keeping children separate (by age group) since they reopened in July 2020.

ElectraBlue · 01/01/2022 10:57

@Xmasiscancelledagain Of course your don't just ''go for a PCR''...

There is a shortage as well and they are for people who show symptoms, not for routine everyday testing....common sense please.

All you can do OP is keep trying to order/get hold of them but carrying on with your life. The shortage will hopefully be resolved.

Frazzled2207 · 01/01/2022 11:01

@ARicher22

Nope, no luck online again Sad

No, nursery don't ask for proof, they rely on people following the policy. It's just the risk of losing DDs place that is a concern, though I have followed their policy religiously until now.

In that case just lie
alienalan · 01/01/2022 11:01

Go online and order some

Until then, lie. Unless you have symptoms

mummyh2016 · 01/01/2022 11:10

Those that have been able to order postal LFT it doesn't necessarily mean they'll arrive! I ordered some last week and still waiting. We've had post this week so it's not a postal issue.

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 01/01/2022 11:10

@Xmasiscancelledagain

Go for a PCR. Not rocket science.
You are kidding right?
Tumbleweed101 · 01/01/2022 11:15

The nursery probably have that policy because so many parents are happy to send in poorly children! We've sent children home with high temps and they return with them the next morning.

So don't lie to your nursery, let them know you have no way of testing right now. If they have to close it affects everyone and possibly whether the nursery remains financially viable. They may even have a vulnerable staff member or child they are trying to protect by the tests.

WhatAHexIGotInto · 01/01/2022 11:24

Thats presuming that the Staff are catching it from the kids though?

Well the more kids they have there who have it the more chance staff have of catching it obviously, but of course staff could get it from family members, shopping, life in general.

mrsbyers · 01/01/2022 11:29

People have obviously stockpiled tests and now this is the impact - disgustingly selfish

Rupertpenrysmistress · 01/01/2022 11:32

I work as a nurse in the NHS and we are all struggling to get the tests, we asked about the hospital sourcing them but were told no keep trying. I honestly am trying everywhere and only have so much time. As we are now allowed to go into work, if a household member has covid providing we test every day for 7 days you would think our trust would help us. But hey the figures won't be accurate so not all bad.

user1493494961 · 01/01/2022 11:38

If neither of you has symptoms, I would lie.

VintageCookbook · 01/01/2022 16:27

Christ, just lie.

No point tying yourself in knots over if.

VintageCookbook · 01/01/2022 16:27

it*

StartingGrid · 01/01/2022 16:34

Whereabouts are you OP, maybe someone on here may be nearby? I'd certainly help if you were near me

Figmentofimagination · 01/01/2022 16:43

@ARicher22 just a heads up I've just gone on the gov website and ordered some in the last 5 mins. Maybe try again

Laiste · 01/01/2022 16:48

There's a big sign outside our local PCR test centre that says

We Encourage You NOT To Use This Service If You Are Symptomless.

OutIsay · 01/01/2022 16:51

Ring pharmacies and join your local Covid-19 Facebook group. Everyone is posting on ours (including a pharmacy) when local pharmacies get deliveries.

toastfiend · 01/01/2022 17:05

@Xmasiscancelledagain

Go for a PCR. Not rocket science.
Very low availability of PCRs, too. Besides which, that's not a solution for day-to-day testing without symptoms.
sirfredfredgeorge · 01/01/2022 17:14

Besides which, that's not a solution for day-to-day testing without symptoms

It's an absolutely disgusting suggestion, and should absolutely not be done, we have multiple treatments that can be given to vulnerable individuals as soon as they test positive which significantly reduces deaths and hospitalisations if given early enough.

Taking up PCR capacity testing symptomless non-vulnerable individuals at the behest of a private business with zero knowledge or skill in epidemiology is completely wrong. DO NOT DO THIS.

FurryAntiWaxer · 01/01/2022 18:04

There must be worldwide shortages of tests due to the omicron outbreak increasing demand. We can't get them in Australia for love nor money either.
I'd just lie until you get some. The nursery policy is absurd beyond reason, driven by fear, not informed evidence. If you tell the truth they will be on notice and might check up on you.
Ultimately, they will have to prioritise the tests for people that need them and tell people like your nursery to pull their heads in.

Badgerloco · 01/01/2022 18:40

I just ordered some on gov site to pick up from the chemist on Tuesday. None were available for home delivery though. Do you not have any friends that have any spare. We had boxes at one point as DS was sent home with loads from high school.

Theunamedcat · 01/01/2022 18:47

I ordered some lateral flow tests didn't get any email confirmation or anything so I tried again figured it hasn't gone through as the last time I got emails saying they were enroute then three boxes showed up if any more show up I will have to ring and tell them although thinking about it ring who and tell who? Fortunately they are being used as ds is supposed to test daily after being in contact with covid positive people unfortunately he lives with the covid positive people 👍

Littlecaf · 01/01/2022 18:51

We have the same issue OP. Nursery want lateral flow test or PCR before returning. We have no symptoms so don’t qualify for a PCR and no LFTs either.

Not sure what they want us to do.