Why are they only testing if you’ve been to certain countries when it’s already here?

[PickleBottomNo3sMum]

Just that really.

We all have dry coughs, dd also has blocked (not runny) nose and sore throat. Can’t get through to speak to anyone on 111. They’re not interested unless you’ve been to certain countries or in contact with someone who has.

Yet we already have 2 confirmed cases nearby 🤷🏻‍♀️

Yes, we may not have it but there may be others like us who do.

Is is that they’re so relaxed about as they’re expecting most cases to be mild? I can’t help thinking that this is definitely going to get out of hand if they don’t get a grip on it soon.

No idea but agree as it is already here then you (speaking in the generalist of terms there) may have it, especially as some cases who were tested were asymptomatic. I could understand if they were only testing those with the most severe of symptoms (as I believe italy are planning from now on?) But my understanding is they are testing any level of symptom severity if you have been in a hotspot. 🤷‍♀️

I'd like to know the answer to this too? There's a lab right here in the UK producing these:

"Randoxhas developed a rapid test for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), the new strain of coronavirus.

The only test in the world that can identify the lethal strain and differentiate between other non-lethal variants with the same symptoms, from one sample.

The new test utilises Randox Biochip Technology, reporting 540 results in less than 5 hours on theRandox Evidence Investigator, a semi-automated analyser that is capable of processing 54 patient samples simultaneously."

You'd think the NHS would be stocking up on these, and screening anyone with even mild symptoms.