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Original poster

Has anyone just turned up for a test without pre booking?

12 replies

whataboutbob · 19/09/2020 17:45

I’m feeling fluey with some loss of smell. I have tried the Gov.UK site throughout the day and they tell it’s busy and to try again. I know the Town Hall of the borough next to mine is testing tomorrow and I’m thinking of just turning up. I don’t have a car so it has to be cyclable which this would be. Any one got a test recently without pre booking?

OP posts:
UnaMujer · 19/09/2020 18:55

Not me personally but there have been a few posters on here who tried it and got turned away.

Fannybawz · 19/09/2020 18:59

They don’t have the equipment to even get you registered so they can’t actually do it without booking afaik

Everything is barcodes and all that shizz

However I did manage to get my sons test arranged via the council website. Booked at 5pm for the following morning.

So if you’re in a hotspot try that first

Plussizejumpsuit · 19/09/2020 19:03

I booked one for 70 miles away and tried turning up to my local centre and was turned away. So I really don't think you've got any chance just turning up. Sorry.

ShellsAndSunrises · 19/09/2020 19:06

They used to do it, apparently, but now they turn you away. You need a booking.

Tomatoesneedtoripen · 19/09/2020 19:08

yes, i happened to be taking a relative, very helpful, asked me to book, which was miles away, received the QR number which was all they needed to give me the test but that was a couple of weeks ago

Saffzy · 19/09/2020 19:09

I think there are certain times that appointments are released. I had success at 8pm and there seemed to be lots of appointments at all times compared to when I tried 15 minutes earlier when there weren’t any.

Didiplanthis · 19/09/2020 19:12

I went to a booked appointment today. People without appointments were being turned away.

Original poster
whataboutbob · 19/09/2020 20:24

Ok, thank you. I guess it’s not worth the try then. There was one at 8 am Sunday at the other end of London 5 minutes ago ( advised not to take public transport so I’d have to cycle and don’t feel up to it). I’ll keep trying.

OP posts:
Toomanyapplesinthefruitbowl · 19/09/2020 22:07

We did it 10 days ago with success, just pitched up (as we couldn’t get an appointment at all) and they tested us no problem. We registered the barcode at home afterwards and got the results fine.

Original poster
whataboutbob · 20/09/2020 11:57

So I turned up at the nearest centre this morning, and was let in because I work for the NHS. Other people were being turned away. So relieved to have had a test, I suspect it’ll be negative but I need to know.

OP posts:
Tomatoesneedtoripen · 20/09/2020 12:06

oh good decision

Original poster
whataboutbob · 20/09/2020 12:11

Thanks @tomatoes. I should add I brought my staff badge which they asked to see. Without it I wouldn’t have had a test.

OP posts:
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