Testing delay

[zefstar76]

Is it true that our testing takes 24-48 hours as opposed the 15 minute test used in other countries (including Italy)? If so, won't we be a couple of days behind in seeing what the most recent figures are? It could be escalating much quicker than we are aware. Does this mean any action we take could be too late?

Following.

It feels like the government is deliberately not testing people (ie people with symptoms but who haven’t travelled to any of the key countries) to keep our figures down in order to keep the panic down and the schools open!

In some cases, it is taking 4 days in the UK (from the initial info it looks like there are so many labs around the UK doing the tests and then the results have to be reconfirmed)...I also can't understand why they are not opting for the 15-minute test - even though I believe it's only 80% reliable.

Not sure when the new test will be available that is currently being worked on by Mologic.

@Letseatgrandma I agree that lots with possible symptoms won't be tested. Yesterday kids had high temperature and today they have dry coughs, DH now has same symptoms. How do we know if it's normal cough/cold/virus or corona virus? Especially if children in particular tend to get it milder but spread it to older more vulnerable members of family? I care for my disabled mum, who is on chemo so obviously I won't visit while the children are sick but I can't not care for her for 2 weeks incase it's corona but equally don't want to risk passing something potentially serious on to her!

My daughter was tested after a half term trip to an infected area and it took 6 days to get a result. It was negative as we thought it would be but she is immunesuppressed and they were supposed to rush it through.
The delay in getting test results is worrying and I believe we have a false picture of the situation atm.

I'm guessing that the testing policy is geared to trying to get to Easter before closing down the schools etc on the basis that it will have less effect on the overall economy. I think its the wrong decision and may result in more cases than fewer cases because it will become an unmanageable situation (NHS won't cope) like Italy. I think they need to start slowing down people catching the virus now.