Am I right in thinking you can't obtain a PCR(unless you lie) if you haven't got one of the 3 main symptoms.

[Devongirl99]

I remember back in Sep having to get a PCT for my dc as he had a persistent cough and it said on the questionnaire, have you had one of the following symptoms - cough, temperature or loss of taste and smell. Today, we have had an email from the school highlighting that many children are experiencing different symptoms such as sore throat, cold, general unwellness and to be extra vigilant. So I'm asking, should people send away for a pcr test for these symptoms, can you actually do that?

I believe that now with the rising cases they are encouraging anyone who has been a contact of a positive case to have a pcr regardless of symptoms.

You’re right you’d have to lie, or do a LFT first, then if that was positive you’d be able to get a PCR without lying. Or log your symptoms on the ZOE app and they’ll refer you for a test, actually that might be just for adults, not sure if they refer children as well.

Doesn't make sense to me! The school at put to obtain an lft if feeling unwell with a cold, sore throat etc....I guess that's because they can't advice getting a pcr

People wanting to travel have to do a PCR test, and they don't have symptoms presumably.

You can now get a PCR test if you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive, even if you don’t have symptoms.

From nhs website

People wanting to travel have to pay for their PCR test. I think you technically still need one of the main symptoms to get a free one.

There is an extension to the list now for reasons to get a PCR, other than what is defined as the three main symptoms. Granted none of them include the new symptoms believed to be linked to delta, but it's an improvement, and you don't have to say you have any symptoms.

No one is checking this though are they?

Every time I've been for a test, they just scan the QR code you get sent. They don't ask about symptoms and on occasion haven't even asked our names.

Where I live there is loads of availability of drive in and walk in tests. There isn't the shortage there was last summer. I think the powers that be would prefer that people get tested regardless.

Yes if you have been identified as a close contact on a confirmed case you can order a PCR test. I have done this today for my DS as he has a confirmed case in his nursery bubble.

You can get a pcr now if a close contact test for everyone else a lateral test .
Then if lateral positive then you book a pcr .

In Lancashire they want everyone to have a PCR test regardless

Is your area doing surge testing? In that case you can get tests whenever you fancy.
Alternatively do an LFT and if it comes back positive confirm with a PCR.
Or just lie, if you genuinely suspect that they might have Covid it’s the right thing to do.

I’d have thought that most generally unwell children would have a bit of a temperature though.

We have walk in PCR testing in our area, they ask about symptoms but they don’t seem to be barring people.

It might just be Scotland but I don't think so as I'm sure the site used is UK wide, but you can book tests under loads of different categories including your job role, you've been identified as a contact, you've been asked by various apps or people or employers. I'm pretty sure none of this is actually checked

My daughters colleague tested positive and so we just said we had been told to take a test which was one of the options and it let us book one. That is Wales though. Not sure if it’s different in England.

I ordered a home test for my ds as he had a symptom (fever). Then it gave the option to order another test, so I clicked on yes. I was then asked if I had any of the 3 main symptoms, I clicked no and it still let me get a test for myself.

I think they're now asking close contacts to get one

If you have the Zoe app, it will ask you to get a test for the new top symptoms and this is, another valid reason for ordering one

Help slow the spread of #COVID19 and identify at risk cases sooner by self-reporting your symptoms daily, even if you feel well 🙏.
Download the app covid.joinzoe.com/

I ordered a pack of LFT tests this week (on gov website) and when they came there was a PCR in the bag

My dd school insisted on one without the top three symptoms.

I just explained when I went the test centre snd it was fine.

You can pay for one. In some countries (eg where I have some family) you can pay extra for a negative one

No. I was feeling poorly with negative LFT's and none of the 3 paltry symptoms and they let me do a walk in PCR at an empty centre. It was negative, but did turn into a gastro bug a couple of days later.

you can always pay privately for one

I just turned up and explained that my daughter’s school was requesting one.