If the ZOE app invites you to have a test for a reason other than the three main ones do you have to isolate still?

[FeatherySquawkington]

Just that really, was 'invited' to have a test due to reporting a tickly throat for a couple of days, no other symptoms. Would I need to isolate while waiting for the results?

No. They invited me to have a test a couple of weeks back because I had an upset stomach. It's about increasing their research data, not necessarily because they think you have it.

Ok, I've been staying at home anyway but sent the DC to school, was panicking a bit that I should have kept them home until my result came through. Throat fine now anyway 🙄

No. They've asked me to have a test a couple of times because I said I had a headache. I regularly have headaches. If I isolated for 10 days every time I had a headache, I'd never leave the house.

Oh thank goodness, they asked me to have one as I reported cold symptoms and said that they weren't normal seasonal allergies - which a cold isn't!

Had a test today but kids went to school and I have the Decorator in downstairs. I do have a cough but it's my standard asthma post nasal drip one, literally get it about 3 times a year!

But ive been fretting all day about whether I did the right thing. I've added my data to ZOE since March so I did feel I shoud get the test as it all adds to the data even though its just a cold. (school matrons happy for children being in school with it).

No of course you don't, Zoe is an unofficial app, nothing to do with the goverment or law or guidance.

I’m part of a different research programme and get tested fortnightly - I always have that ‘bunking off school’ feeling when I’m waiting for the results like I shouldn’t be going about my business.

If you feel well enough and don’t have any of the three main symptoms then you’re perfectly ok to carry on as normal.

How we there enough tests for people being invited on the the app when you can't get a test for anyone with actual COVID symptoms?!

@AriettyHomily

How we there enough tests for people being invited on the the app when you can't get a test for anyone with actual COVID symptoms?!

The Zoe app and other research programmes have already been allocated their tests. It isn’t a shortage of actual test kits anyway it’s a shortage of laboratory capacity. (I heard a plausible rumour it’s because they were using universities capacity who now need it back).

I’m sure if it comes to it the government will requisition those tests or put a hold on processing them but no one is using them inappropriately. The government are the ones answerable for the capacity fiasco.

The Zoe app is helping with research. They have a number of tests available for research purposes each week to test people with other possible symptoms.

Thanks for asking this question. The Zoe app have just emailed me to have a test due to reporting a rash, which has now gone. I have no other symptoms but feel guilty about sending my children into school just in case I have it without knowing.

@Cornettoninja I heard a plausible rumour it’s because they were using universities capacity who now need it back. As I understand it they’ve never used university labs, just set up private ones at massive profit to Tory cronies. If they used university labs we might have half a chance.

It's told me to have a test twice. The first time it went to junk mail & I didn't see it for 2 weeks. This time I have a cold, caught from DS. He had a test (negative) as he had a temperature so I didn't bother as I couldn't face the hassle of trying for 2 days to get a test.

Im afraid you can't even get a test to help ZOE now. It's not an option on the website.

Personally I think it’s time this ‘Zoe’ app was closed. It’s reporting totally inflated case numbers based on very limited evidence and is contributing to the scaremongering that is going on.

It seems to be using up valuable test capacity as well.

Umm... it also discovered the taste/smell symptom that the govt now uses as an official requirement for tests... i cannot believe you're blaming ZOE for the test shortage and not putting the blame where it so obviously belongs!