Essential workers will you request a test from tomorrow?

[EachandEveryone]

Is it worth knowing or not do you think? If you are are going to work and it comes back positive are you allowed to just stay off for two weeks? Is it going to be for all key workers whether they have the symptoms or not?

"When you go to a test centre you perform the test yourself so there’s no training required."
All the ones they have shown on the news have been performed by the nurse waiting by the car.

My colleague had a test last week and they gave her the equipment to do it herself in the car with instructions given by mobile phone to the person in the booth. This was at Stansted testing site.

She was only allowed to open her passenger window a crack in order for them to slide the test kit in.

How are key workers with symptoms being tested who don’t have a car to go to one of the drive through test centres? Apparently the home tests are in short supply.

I'm a nurse in the NHS. One of the doctors I work with told me the centre where they are doing drive through testing for our area/trust is actually a hell of a long journey from my house. I don't drive and to get there by public transport would take me about 2 hours. There and back, on public transport, with suspected coronavirus, feeling like shit and potentially infecting loads others? Not exactly practical.

I wouldn’t focus too much on the test if you don’t feel you really need it due to feeling unwell. Tests are not being done properly and are giving an inaccurate result also DRs have looked at other methods of diagnosing COVID-19.

Sadly too late for me. 6 weeks into a v slow recovery and my NHS work site only introduced testing last week. Although I'd like to have got tested 6 weeks ago it wouldn't have made any difference to my time off work as still unwell now.

If it's available and we can either get there or get tests delivered then, yes.

If I have the symptoms, I'd do it for myself so I know whether it's actually Covid. DD has found herself a temporary job despite everything, she'd be so disappointed if she had to isolate unnecessarily.

Employers of essential staff will want to know if you've tested positive and also those of family members asking for 14 days off.

Is there a list of where the testing stations are? Or do you have to complete the request form to find out?

I checked this morning and it's only if you or someone you live with has symptoms

I've put in a request and waiting for the text.

It's only for those with symptoms or those in your house with symptoms.

DH went to a test centre on Tuesday, a nurse performed the test he didn’t have to do it himself. Results were texted to me the following day, very efficient.

@blueskys72. Theres a list somewhere, they showed a map on the daily breifing yesterday. I was suprised at how large an area my local one seems to be covering.

I'm very close to one but still couldn't get to one showing symptoms. I don't drive, I couldn't get a lift, a bus or a taxi because I would have covid symptoms. It's actually close enough that it would be technically possible to walk, but I don't think that would be allowed at the center, plus I would be near people on the walk, and it would be an unpleasent walk at the best of times never mind when I'm unwell.

If you are a key worker with symptoms, you go on gov.uk and book a test. You are then sent a text telling you where to go and when.

Shouldn't it be - if you (or someone you live with) have symptom that has lasted at least one day but no more than 3 dsys.

Otherwise you will get people requesting a test like my DP who still has symptoms 4 weeks later. It will be a waste of everyone's time if they are not more explicit.

"TabbyMumz Fri 24-Apr-20 08:26:51
You can only do it between days 1 to 3 of symptoms, otherwise it's useless. Not sure how this is going to work if the post is delayed!! This is why the Government cant get up to their limit on testing, because firstly not enough people are sick, and secondly you can only do it 1 to 3 days after onset if symptoms."

Can I ask where you got this information from? I am desperately trying to find this out and can't find anything online. I started with a temperature last Thursday, which last 2 days, I still have a bad cough. But, when you go to the gov.uk page to apply for a test there seems to be no info at all about eligibility in terms of how long you have been displaying symptoms. I want to know if there is any point in me being tested now, as I don't want to waste a test/resources. Why is it so hard to find this information?! There will be so many wasted tests if they don't make this clearer

Ha testing is now closed. I bet they were absolutely bombarded! I went through all of the steps to apply and there was not one single question asking you about your symptoms. Seems absolutely barmy to me.

NHS 111 "diagnosed" DS (2yrs) with covid on Tuesday, according to the the gov information he's eligible for a test because DH is a key worker.

He had one day of a high fever but that's it.

I've just gone on onto the website to self request a test and it is saying it's not available, I'm thinking there have been so many requests for home tests they've reached capacity already by 10am?

We don't drive so going to a testing centre is out of the question.

Very frustrating as we have to stay indoors for two weeks despite him probably not having had it and being fine now.

If the self referral bit goes live again and somebody manages to get through can you @ me please?

Whilst registering they didn't ask for my date of birth or address - just name and phone number. Has anyone had the text yet? What does it say please? I can't understand how they can tell you where to go if they don't have your address/date of birth/medical details.

I don't have faith in this system I'm afraid. Why couldn't they organise it with GP collaboration? GP's will know who is I'll.

Two of my staff had had a test last week and two more are going today. Its only for people exhibiting symptoms and it has to be within 3 days of symptoms starting. Thats what we have been told.

My two staff who have been tested didnt have it thank goodness.

"Lightsabre

Whilst registering they didn't ask for my date of birth or address - just name and phone number. Has anyone had the text yet? What does it say please? I can't understand how they can tell you where to go if they don't have your address/date of birth/medical details."

They will ring you first and ask about your symptoms. If your symptoms started weeks ago they probably wont test you.

@TabbyMumz, that's a bit disheartening. My GP told me to continue to self isolate last Friday as I was still symptomatic.