Ordering regular tests for myself

[Realitea]

I saw the department of health recently posted on Twitter that they’re working with local authorities and businesses as a pilot to routinely test people in high contact jobs.
I’m in one of those jobs and I know by high contact they mean high risk
But I’m self employed. Would it be wrong to order regular tests myself through the gov website?

Unless you have symptoms yes!

High contact means that there's a higher risk of transmission. It doesn't mean that there's a high risk of being seriously ill. For most people this is like getting a cold. It doesn't need a sad face.

Care home staff around me are being tested fortnightly. You could get a test sent to you and see how the infection rate in your area goes. Is it because you have vulnerable people in your family?

I do have vulnerable people in my family, they are BAME, pre diabetic, dc’s have asthma (although I’m not sure if that’s a risk now). I’m fat so I don’t know how it would effect me.
I know high risk means more chance of transmission. I’m worried about getting it through my work. Hence the sad face.
However I’m not as completely terrified as I was. I think as time has gone on I have realised we all have to face this, go back to work and just minimise risk as much as we can while staying sane.
I just wondered if there are people repeatedly ordering tests and if there’s anything stopping people doing this.

I don't understand your post? You are going to start having routine testing? Why would you then order more tests in addition? Surely that is taking away from people who may need them?

I would follow whatever the official guidelines are. Don't over order tests if the pilot isn't running in your area. Be clear to people you are in contact with that you need to know if they test positive for the sake of your high risk family.

Presumably you're aksing if it's ok for you to repeatedly lie in order to get tested?

What’s your job? Keyworkers are allowed to request tests without symptoms.

Here is information about the pilot.

If you/your area isn’t part of the pilot then no, you cannot repeatedly request tests to “make up” for it. The purpose of the pilot is to gather research. You taking it upon yourself to unnecessarily request tests outside of the pilot won’t help their research, which is their only aim. Therefore it’s unnecessary for you to regularly test yourself as yet.

I’m sure there’s processes in place for people requesting a high volume of tests.

Well it would be like the boy who cried wolf wouldn't it. You may order lots now but what if you actually had some symptoms and they said you've ordered too many ?

I agree that you shouldn’t do this.

I understand that you’re worried, however the government testing system is evolving at a steady pace. On the back of this pilot, they may make tests more accessible for people in your position in the near future. But as it isn’t the current guidance, stick to getting tests when you have symptoms for now.

If you do request lots of tests, I’d imagine that your GP would contact you to ask why as they may be concerned about misuse.

Ok thanks everyone. @Yetiyoga I am not part of the pilot as I’m self employed. I was thinking it would make sense for all key workers to have routine tests just as the NHS do.

I have not and will not order a silly amount of tests. It would be like the boy who cried will as @Browzingss said!

How can you order lots anyway? They're time sensitive and not something you can stick in a drawer.... Or they were when I got tested.

@gamerchick Presumably by placing frequent orders eg weekly

Yes I meant by ordering one regularly. Maybe not as often as weekly. I won’t anyway.