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Original poster

I have covid 19 symptoms but find it impossible to get or book a test.

103 replies

Italianmoma1983 · 05/09/2020 20:10

I’m in London and I have been told that my nearest testing Center is Brighton. Is it supposed to be difficult to get a test ? Thank you

OP posts:
Augustbreeze · 05/09/2020 21:57

@FinnyStory

A colleague (school) sent one of our tests (secondary issued with 10 for the use of staff!) off on Tues. She has been told it's currently in Edinburgh (we are SE England) with a huge backlog and if she hasn't heard anything by Monday pm, she should do another test.
But the 10 each school has been sent are to give to any students who you don't think could otherwise access a test, this has been stated clearly......
Augustbreeze · 05/09/2020 21:58

(Sorry that was rather off topic)

FinnyStory · 05/09/2020 22:01

Augustbreeze,I know except when colleague called the NHS number she was told the school should gave a test for her Confused

Merename · 05/09/2020 22:02

I had the same experience, I’m sure there will be more released tomorrow morning, for me they weren’t on when I checked at 8 but kept refreshing and had been released by 8.30/8.45 I think.

FinnyStory · 05/09/2020 22:04

Plus, if you try and register on the NHS site now, you're told no postal tests available and the nearest testing centre is in Brighton approx 1.5 hours away, so what was she supposed to do?

Lou898 · 05/09/2020 22:12

Think it depends on where you live. Friend had a test 5m from home and result in 36 hours.

Augustbreeze · 05/09/2020 22:12

(Apologies @FinnyStory. That's interesting to hear though)

tumtitum · 05/09/2020 22:17

That's mad!! We are in South London and members of my family have had to get tested twice and both times there have been loads of appointments at two test centres two miles from us.
I booked both tests online around midnight so maybe try then? Good luck!

bettsbattenburg · 05/09/2020 22:18

Is Brighton the new Barnard Castle?

Deelish75 · 05/09/2020 22:18

DP’s just booked a test for tomorrow morning. We live in North Kent but he’s been given Kings Lynn, Norfolk - so he’s booked it.
We didn’t know they released new slots in the morning for that day. Does anyone know if he can change it in the morning for one closer to home?

Sailingblue · 05/09/2020 22:21

We just got offered Brighton as well. We live no where near Brighton so that’s not happening. There is a testing site 10 minutes down the road from us which I used during lockdown and it was empty. Something is clearly going wrong.

chuffedasbuttons · 05/09/2020 22:26

Crikey. I couldn't afford the petrol! I suppose if there are no tests in an area, it could indicate an increase in cases? ?

SaltyAndFresh · 05/09/2020 22:26

And yet the nonsense of it all is, I popped into a temporary drop-in testing pod today with no appointment and was tested immediately. There were 30+ staff twiddling their thumbs. I think there might have been a very small number of cases locally, hence the pod. Sledgehammer and nut springs to mind (there's also a test centre 14 miles up the road with next day appts available).

Sanch1 · 05/09/2020 22:32

At our local one they told someone I know that if you just turn up they'll test you, then you have 24 hours to register your details with a code they give you to get your results.

Mummyto3gorgeousgirlies · 05/09/2020 22:41

Wow no home tests even!!!!! Is def picking up.... I’m north London and a few weeks back I was able to book a test at 3pm for 5pm same day for one of my kids.... was a half hour drive away but that was perfectly good by me... good luck I hope it’s just awaiting a refresh of apps

FinnyStory · 05/09/2020 22:46

Is the increased demand for testing as a result of people returning to work and finding an excuse to have a few days off or because of a genuine increase in people with symptoms, I wonder?

everythingisginandroses · 05/09/2020 22:58

Biscuit FFS

guilttripjourno · 05/09/2020 23:09

Handcock promised so many tests. Maybe you need a eye test like Cummings.
In other forums people are reporting same problems. Hope u feel better soon.

LizB62A · 05/09/2020 23:26

I've had two tests - the first was at the rugby club next to Sky TV in Isleworth in May, the second was at LHR a couple of weeks ago(one of the staff car parks near Hatton Cross) so both of those are pretty close to you.

I was able to book both for the next day - the booking system tells you what time it releases the slots for the following day so just make sure you're checking at that time.

EmMac7 · 05/09/2020 23:34

Is this a way for the gov to artificially keep numbers down as schools go back? 😐

AriettyHomily · 05/09/2020 23:36

I couldn't even get a home test for my daughter yesterday. Hello isolation.

Legoroses · 05/09/2020 23:42

What the actual fuck? This is so so bad. You're all good people, trying repeatedly to get tested. But lots of people will be discouraged, convince themselves they've just got a cold and carry on daily life.

This isn't even the hard bit of test, track and isolate. We've had 6 months to prepare for winter. It's just unacceptable.

Saphira1308 · 06/09/2020 00:28

I've just tried to order a home test and message says try again in couple of hours.

Magissa · 06/09/2020 00:33

There is mobile testing at Kensington Town Hall today.

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