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Original poster

If the Zoe app tells you to test...

29 replies

sausagerole · 08/01/2021 20:54

Do you have to isolate until you get the result, even if you don't have any of the three symptoms that normally quality you for a test?

And how do you get a test if they tell you to, but you don't have the qualifying symptoms?

Not downloaded the app yet but thinking ahead!

OP posts:
Feckers2018 · 08/01/2021 20:55

Yes it’s a Covid test. Follow the rules. Stop looking for loop holes.

whatswithtodaytoday · 08/01/2021 20:56

No you don't. Obviously if you think you might have Covid you should, but the tests are for research.

It's asked me to get a test every time I've put in anything other than 'I feel normal' - even just a headache.

wlaiabdh · 08/01/2021 20:57

Ignore the PP. No you don't have to isolate if you don't have any symptoms. They openly say they invite people to test who they don't think have it as well as people who they do think have it. You only need to isolate if you have one of the three symptoms and then you should be getting a test anyway and definitely isolating.

When you book a test through the government website it asks if you have been asked to test by various things including ZOE.

whatswithtodaytoday · 08/01/2021 20:57

When you go into the NHS Covid test website it asks if you've been asked to test by the Zoe app.

CarlottaValdez · 08/01/2021 20:58

No you don’t.

CarlottaValdez · 08/01/2021 20:58

I’ve done two (both negative) for headaches.

wlaiabdh · 08/01/2021 20:58

By PP I meant @Feckers2018 not @whatswithtodaytoday

NerrSnerr · 08/01/2021 20:59

@Feckers2018

Yes it’s a Covid test. Follow the rules. Stop looking for loop holes.
That's not true. The Zoe app asks you to test when you don't have Covid symptoms.

You only have to isolate when you have a test when you have Covid symptoms s

MajesticWhine · 08/01/2021 20:59

No you don't have to isolate if you don't have the main symptoms. This was us a week ago. It says when you book the test that you isolate in keeping with guidelines based on the three main symptoms. Although clearly if you suspect covid, the correct thing to do is to isolate anyway.

Seriouslymole · 08/01/2021 20:59

No, you don’t- if you have one of three recognised symptoms I probably would but otherwise no.

NerrSnerr · 08/01/2021 21:00

And how do you get a test if they tell you to, but you don't have the qualifying symptoms?

There's an option on the government page where you book the test.

gnushoes · 08/01/2021 21:02

As others said: no. They're looking to see if other symptoms are connected with COVID-19

Porcupineintherough · 08/01/2021 21:03

If you have one of the 3 main symptoms you isolate.
If you feel ill and suspect coronavirus, you isolate.

There is a box to tick as you apply for a test that asks you if you are part of a research study.

QueenoftheAir · 08/01/2021 21:04

I logged symptoms with the Zoe app a bit before Christmas. got sent for a test, and had to isolate until I got the result - the result came within 36 hours, so it's no hardship.

The Zoe app doesn't rely on the 3 main symptoms, but asks about a much broader range of symptoms and has more nuance.

You get the test by going on the NHS website: the app email sends you a link.

The app is trying to help stop the spread of this damn disease. We should all be using it.

oneglassandpuzzled · 08/01/2021 21:06

You don’t have to isolate, no.

QueenoftheAir · 08/01/2021 21:06

Clarification: I went to an NHS walk-in test centre, and as I left, they asked me to isolate till I got results. It's what we should be doing if we have any symptoms which could be C-19.

NerrSnerr · 08/01/2021 21:12

@QueenoftheAir

Clarification: I went to an NHS walk-in test centre, and as I left, they asked me to isolate till I got results. It's what we should be doing if we have any symptoms which could be C-19.
But you don't need to isolate if you get asked for a test from the Zoe app and you don't have the three main symptoms. Of course if you suspect you have Covid you isolate but you don't need to isolate if not. The people at the centre must have made a mistake.
QueenoftheAir · 08/01/2021 21:32

I had a mild version of one of the symptoms. And you know, given the rates of infection, and the death toll, and so on, I didn't think isolation for 36 hours was too much to ask. It was a sensible precaution.

If only more people were more cautious ...

truthlemon · 08/01/2021 21:40

No, you don't isolate unless you have one of the three main symptoms.

Yes, you do the test if requested, otherwise it's all a bit pointless. The NHS test request process actually has an option for 'requested by ZOE app'. I've had 6 Zoe tests for various random symptoms, all in the name of research. Good luck Smile

TillyTheTiger · 08/01/2021 21:44

I've been told twice by the Zoe app to get a test. First time for a sore throat in Oct, second time for a runny nose this week. I didn't isolate either time because I didn't have any of the three main symptoms and I was 99.9% certain I didn't have covid. Tested negative both times.
When you book your test it gives you an option to say that Zoe has asked you to book a test, you don't need to say you have symptoms.

oneglassandpuzzled · 08/01/2021 22:27

@QueenoftheAir

I had a mild version of one of the symptoms. And you know, given the rates of infection, and the death toll, and so on, I didn't think isolation for 36 hours was too much to ask. It was a sensible precaution.

If only more people were more cautious ...

So you weren’t doing a test for the research purposes of the Zoe app? Otherwise you’d have applied for an NHS test, as you had a symptom?

I get catarrh each winter, caused by dry air indoors. Occasionally I clear my throat by coughing. . Zoe offered me a test. As it was a week before Christmas I took it in the same way as students took tests at that time as it seemed such a fortuitous opportunity to ensure I was safe to see my elderly mother. No COVID symptom no need to isolate. As it happens I didn’t go out until my negative result came through but that was my personal decision, not a requirement.

99victoria · 08/01/2021 22:38

I've been on the Zoe app since the beginning. I suffer really badly with sinusitis every winter and have done for about 10 years now. Every time I report sinus pain they ask me to take a test. I've done a couple (negative) but didn't do one the last time they asked me a couple of weeks ago.

You don't have to do the test - they make that clear. And you don't have to isolate if you don't have any of the main symptoms or any reason to believe you may have Covid

Sorryusernamealreadyexists · 08/01/2021 22:42

No, you don’t have to. But I did as for a short period and pretty much lockdown anyway, results were back in 26 hours despite it being the Christmas period.

Crumpetycrump · 08/01/2021 22:44

I’ve done 4 tests that the ZOE app asked me to do for sore throats/headaches and one test for coronavirus symptoms. The only difference between taking the tests was that I was offered a lot more test slots for the actual symptoms. No you don’t need to isolate if you have a test but don’t have one of the 3 main symptoms.

Changemaname1 · 09/01/2021 00:05

@QueenoftheAir so you had a symptom then that’s why they told u to isolate .

However nothing wrong with Being careful as you say . I do wonder how many people have non main symptoms and go about as normal and it is actually Covid ( not blaming anyone for doing so btw )