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

[Italianmoma1983]

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

Just had a look and my nearest available test slot is 73 miles away and there are no postal tests available.

What are people supposed to do?

I guess a lot of people will just carry on with daily life and not isolate if they can't get a test?

I dont drive, so if I need a test, miles away Im going to have to go on public transport, potentially spreading covid as I go!

I'm in Yorkshire and booked a test a 15min drive away. DH did same but a different test site 5 weeks ago.
You are not supposed to use public transport or taxis to get to test sites so if you can't walk or drive there yourself you are supposed to ask for a home test.

The next town to us is an area of concern/additional resources. People are being sent 80 miles away despite 3 testing centres that are empty locally. Utter madness.

@FinnyStory

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?

The test sites round here are closing. Even the ones in areas of concern.

As a teacher we have been told to ask the school to arrange a test if we are unable to do so ourselves as the school has priority access to a booking system or similar. Presumably there are similar arrangements for other key workers.

According to the dashboard test capacity is well in excess of what is currently being done! If the Scottish experience is anything to go by, demand for tests will increase as kids gets colds and temperatures etc.

@Italianmoma1983 I had this last week. Find your nearest testing site and then put in a postcode right next to it instead of your home one. I got an appointment immediately. If ours any good there's a drive through in Picketts Lock which is where I went. Hope you're feeling ok x

They were telling people in Reading that they needed to get on a bloody ferry to the Isle of Wight for a test last week!
It’s ridiculous but it’s partly through people testing any little sniffle. 18000 school kids tested in Scotland in a week - 49 positive cases 🤦🏼‍♀️

Yes, I think people are testing without "the" symptoms. They're unwell with some of the things they've read cam be symptoms but no the three official symptoms iyswim.

"18000 school kids tested in Scotland in a week - 49 positive cases 🤦🏼‍♀️"

To be fair, the government drew up the guidance for schools and have promised proactive testing of schools in scotland regardless so probably should have anticipated the extra demand from every kid with a temperature or cough

Can't you request a home test?

I'm near Brighton and have seen people posting on Facebook that they are being sent to Gatwick or the Isle of Wight...
I don't think there is even a test centre in Brighton now unless it's a pop up one

@CodenameVillanelle

Sorry don't know where the rest of my post went.

My nil tested positive on Monday. Went had a "socially distance" lunch with him the Sunday before.

I work with the general public and get the tube into work. Thought I'd get rested even though no symptoms. Have been trying for 4 days but no avail. I live east London. It's good to know I can try at 8/9am

Any luck op? I hope you feel better soon!

@Racheyg

Sorry don't know where the rest of my post went.

My nil tested positive on Monday. Went had a "socially distance" lunch with him the Sunday before.

I work with the general public and get the tube into work. Thought I'd get rested even though no symptoms. Have been trying for 4 days but no avail. I live east London. It's good to know I can try at 8/9am

This is one of the problems, you don't need to test if you have no symptoms!

Im currently trying to get a test in Sunderland. It wants me to drive almost two hours to Scotland No home kits available

I've just had a look and it's offered me one 35 miles away. Despite there being a test centre within 3 miles of my house. I also live within 20 miles of a major city, are they seriously telling me there are no centres with available appointments there

MY OH developed a cough last week- we live on the outskirts of a city, but the nearest slot for his test was 120 miles away. No home kits available.
He ended up driving the 240 mile round trip for his test ( came back negative thankfully). but totally unacceptable distance.

We live 29 miles away from a watch list area. Our nearest testing sight is 80 miles in the opposite direction. It's a shambles!

This is ridiculous. It also explains why some Europeans countries are seeing a 'surge' in cases as the uk media like to report. Therevarz more cases obvs but it's also because they're able to test! Here in France, you can get a test the same day, no appointment needed you just turn up.

This is what I've got just now, even though I know there's a drop in pod with plenty of capacity today within a mile. Why can't the UK government get anything at all right?

This is really concerning.
My dd needed one 3 weeks ago and got one reasonably close by. The system was OK and slightly allayed my fears. It's concerning to hear that actually it's gone to pot!

@SabrinaTheTeenageBitch

Im currently trying to get a test in Sunderland. It wants me to drive almost two hours to Scotland No home kits available

Are there none in Newcastle? Or gateshead? Try again now as they may be updated after 8 am.

Scotland had similar issues when schools went back. It does seem to have settled down now though. Teachers aren’t given any priority to help them get back to work either.