Can I take my child for a test if I have Covid-19?

MrsRudyRudpoo · 2021-02-06T09:37:14+00:00

Sorry if this is a really obvious question. I tested positive earlier this week, my child has developed symptoms today. Can I take her to a drive through test centre to get tested? I’ve been receiving texts and emails from test and trace telling me if I leave the house I can be fined etc, so just want to be doubly sure I’m ok to do this! Thanks

IceCreamAndCandyfloss · 06/02/2021 09:38

No, order a home test kit and stay home.

dementedpixie · 06/02/2021 09:39

Yes you are allowed to go to get tested/take your child for a test as long as you arent leaving the car. Alternatively order a postal test instead

meltedgalaxy · 06/02/2021 09:41

Yes you can

Todaythiscouldbe · 06/02/2021 09:42

No, you need to order a home test. I asked 119 and test and trace the same question for my son after I had a positive test.

RosesAndLemonade · 06/02/2021 09:43

Do you need to? Simply because you all have to isolate anyway now, it's pretty obvious that she has it, and from experience of testing my kids, if it was clear cut that mine had it I wouldn't bother and would just isolate them for the correct time and spare the horror of testing....

higgledypiggledyhen · 06/02/2021 09:44

No. You don't need to

BaronessVonCake · 06/02/2021 09:46

I think I'd just assume your child has it too and do the isolating required for them- easier than going out and trying to test a child.

2021vision · 06/02/2021 09:46

Yes you can go to a drive through test centre, this will be much quicker that at home test. I would have thought this was safer than an at home anyway because surely you have to walk to the post box to post the test back which you're not supposed to do if you are isolating!

Todaythiscouldbe · 06/02/2021 09:47

@2021vision

Yes you can go to a drive through test centre, this will be much quicker that at home test. I would have thought this was safer than an at home anyway because surely you have to walk to the post box to post the test back which you're not supposed to do if you are isolating!

It is delivered and collected by courier.

SimonJT · 06/02/2021 09:47

Yes you can. We had it the other way around, my son had symptoms so I took him for a test and he was positive, I then later developed symptoms.

My consultant informed me I needed testing asap due to being CEV, I went to a test centre that day and had my results back in under 24 hours.

SimonJT · 06/02/2021 09:48

@Todaythiscouldbe In our area they are delivered with the usual post and you then take them to designated post boxes.

Cornettoninja · 06/02/2021 09:48

I think you can but other posters are right and I think I would just assume she does have it too. If you need any medical advice I think your positive would count as strong evidence that she most likely has covid too.

That’s presuming you don’t need any evidence for any other purpose.

Isadora2007 · 06/02/2021 09:49

Yes you can if you want to or you can get a test home kit.

2typesofjungle · 06/02/2021 09:49

Why would you want to?

DinosaurDiana · 06/02/2021 09:50

I personally wouldn’t bother testing. I’d assume she has it and isolate accordingly.

Original poster

MrsRudyRudpoo · 06/02/2021 09:53

Thanks for the responses so far. She’s almost a teenager so not as tricky as testing a toddler iyswim. I guess I just thought it would give us a better idea of when she needs to end isolation if we knew for sure. As it is, mine finishes next Friday, but her isolating period would be extended if we knew for sure she is positive. Obviously I know she more than likely will be. I was struggling to find any official guidance about if I can leave the house to take her for a test so thought I’d ask. We have a few drive in test centres near by. Thanks everyone

OP posts:

RosesAndLemonade · 06/02/2021 09:55

@MrsRudyRudpoo

Thanks for the responses so far. She’s almost a teenager so not as tricky as testing a toddler iyswim. I guess I just thought it would give us a better idea of when she needs to end isolation if we knew for sure. As it is, mine finishes next Friday, but her isolating period would be extended if we knew for sure she is positive. Obviously I know she more than likely will be. I was struggling to find any official guidance about if I can leave the house to take her for a test so thought I’d ask. We have a few drive in test centres near by. Thanks everyone

I still wouldn't bother because I would say it's pretty obvious. But you need to end isolation from however many days it is (10?14?900? God knows these days ) from the first day she got symptoms? But if she doesn't mind being tested then sure you can go since the whole system is set up to assume that they're testing people who are positive so it would be no good if the people doing the tests weren't protected!