Quick question :if I need to test, am I required to keep DC off school?

[stirling]

Or do I wait for results and then if positive keep them off?
Thanks.

When I took DD for a test, it was not mentioned in any of the texts or info at test centre. I knew but googled to check as I thought it would have been made absolutely clear at the point of testing-it wasn’t.

@stirling

My symptoms mirror those of friends who have tested positive for covid. Though these are NOT the classic "3 symptoms". It would be really irresponsible of me not to test, yet getting one is going to be impossible unless I lie.

So how did the other two families get tested without the classic symptoms? One had a test for some reason via work... The other family paid privately.

The main thing I understand is that if you, or children have cold like symptoms only - then don't test.
This is crazy!

It would be irresponsible to get a test of you don't have any of the main symptoms. The testing criteria is there for a reason. Whether you agree or disagree with it is irrelevant. Don't get a test if you don't meet the criteria as you may and probably will be taking a test from someone that meets the criteria. There are lots of children (and adults) unable to get tested and one of the reasons for this is people are getting tests when they don't have the main symptoms. You could be taking a test that a young child who is off school may need that may help them get back into school if negative. We have all got to be sensible about this. If you want to go ahead and self-isolate because you think you have covid (without main symptoms) then go ahead, but it would be very selfish of you to get a test and lie about it too.

Have you been in contact with the people you mention?

Its not irresponsible at all. OP has symptoms. Ok they may not be the top 3 but at least there are some symptoms. Because of the area I work in I know many people who have tested positive for Covid-19 and more than half 'thought it was a cold' The real waste of tests are the worried well who fill the car with the entire family for tests because little Johnny has had someone in his year tested positive. Or Johnny was told to isolate so the family rush him for a test despite displaying no symptoms whatsoever

22:41Feelingconfused2020 - no contact, just phone catch up.

Northernsoullover thank you, really nice to be understood.

Char2015 I have to test. I'm taking my dad for his chemotherapy sessions so I can't just leave it to chance because of some outdated guidelines that really need updating. There was a thread on this board a week ago about symptoms - many mumsnetters and their families were presenting with symptoms other than the "3".