Do I have to get a PCR?

[sylbunny]

We've been track and traced ... not by the app but as a named contact. Due to the new rules none of us need to isolate. We've been told by T&T we should now get a PCR even though we don't have symptoms but I notice the wording is 'should' not have to. Do we have to get one?

Because I had some on hand and I thought I was being responsible? I genuinely thought they were supposed to be used if you had no symptoms but I must be wrong?

I would PCR test the whole family. I'd only PCR test the baby if they'd been in the person's arms or if we got other positive tests. I would not LFT a baby, that's just pointless.

No I wouldn't get a PCR unless either I was going to see anyone particular vulnerable or I developed any symptoms.

@Stuffin

No I wouldn't get a PCR unless either I was going to see anyone particular vulnerable or I developed any symptoms.

If you are simply out and about, how will you know if you see anyone particularly vulnerable? Yes, you are not legally obliged to get a PCR as a close contact of a positive case, but it seems odd that you would if you were meeting someone vulnerable but wouldn't otherwise - unless you are isolating for 10 days, how can you achieve this?

Or is it that you would test if you were meeting someone you personally KNEW to be vulnerable, but aren't worried about those you may meet by chance but aren't aware of?

To be fair she was only asking for guidance these rules change all the time and it is confusing. Mums net can be so harsh and direct sometimes with the answers when all some people want is some reassurance they are doing the right thing.

cantkeepawayforever yes if i was in someone's house for several hours and they were vulnerable I would ask them if they wanted me to test and would if they said yes.

But otherwise no I wouldn't for going shopping or general out and about unless I developed symptoms. I am double vaccinated and think to test all the time just in case is over the top. It isn't legally mandated so up to you if you want but I can make different choices to you and that doesn't mean they are wrong.

@NJ2021

To be fair she was only asking for guidance these rules change all the time and it is confusing. Mums net can be so harsh and direct sometimes with the answers when all some people want is some reassurance they are doing the right thing.

Thank you! That was exactly what I was asking ... I know there's a lot of change recently and the wording of 'should' or 'must' is usually what indicates what is law and what is just suggestion.

Seriously thank you for taking the time to respond with some kindness.

It isn't legally mandated so up to you if you want but I can make different choices to you and that doesn't mean they are wrong.

I'm sorry if I managed to phrase it in such a way as to imply that I thought that you were wrong. Both choices are, as you say, legally open to you, but I couldn't see how your reason to do one or the other worked in a logistical sense. Thanks for clarifying.

@cantkeepawayforever

It isn't legally mandated so up to you if you want but I can make different choices to you and that doesn't mean they are wrong.

I'm sorry if I managed to phrase it in such a way as to imply that I thought that you were wrong. Both choices are, as you say, legally open to you, but I couldn't see how your reason to do one or the other worked in a logistical sense. Thanks for clarifying.

It's hard isn't it because I know some people are still cautious and I am not. If I thought I would be really up close and personal to someone I would give them the option of me testing or even them avoiding me. But generally out and about I tend to give people space so see it as low risk and if I didn't have symptoms then I really wouldn't bother testing. I think I am generally in that mind because when my DH was coughing all over me with covid earlier in the year I tested negative twice and never caught it.

Stop back pedalling, that's not what your Opening post said at all.

I don't really get this testing with PCR business - you could be negative for a week & then positive, but if you did the PCR in the first week it would be negative & you would then assume you were OK & spread it around. I'm not really sure what it adds. Of course, if people have symptoms they should test.

@Cookerhood

I don't really get this testing with PCR business - you could be negative for a week & then positive, but if you did the PCR in the first week it would be negative & you would then assume you were OK & spread it around. I'm not really sure what it adds. Of course, if people have symptoms they should test.

The point is you could be spreading it around anyway because double vaxxed people/under 18+6months don’t have to isolate unless symptomatic now. The Pcr test for contacts is supposed to catch some asymptomatic positives rather than change people’s behaviour.

Just to be clear, I’m talking about the situation in England.

Right I've now had all the T&T calls for the kids and the nice man confirmed the baby wouldn't have a PCR even though the babies text does say that he now 'should' get a PCR.

OP you dont need to test and i personally wouldnt. I actually dont know anyone who even tests with symptoms anymore

If you're contacted by T&T and don't have symptoms but have a PCR, do you still have to isolate until you get the results?

I would test adults and older children but not the baby.

@PinkSparklyPussyCat

If you're contacted by T&T and don't have symptoms but have a PCR, do you still have to isolate until you get the results?

Not in England if you’re double jabbed plus 14 days or under 18 and 6months.

Thanks @PurpleDaisies

Not legally necessary so I won’t be doing a PCR if I end up as a close contact. The government doesn’t think it is necessary or it would be legal requirement so why should I?