To think rates are going down because people are choosing not to have PCRs?

Glassery · 2021-12-19T16:38:18+00:00

Two of my friendship group have this weekend told me that they have symptoms, have got a positive lateral flow, but have decided not to go for a PCR test as a positive result means they would have to isolate over Christmas. Instead they are going to carry on with their lives as normal for the next few days ‘because it would be a shame to have to make the children stay home’ with them. Personally I think it’s a disgrace but anyway… AIBU to think the drop in rates over the past few days is not because Covid cases are falling but instead because selfish people don’t want to isolate until 28th Dec?

Ahblahblablahumbug · 19/12/2021 16:40

I've thought this for months. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people just don't bother getting a test unless almost bed ridden.

ChangeChingyChange · 19/12/2021 16:40

My daughter technically had symptoms for 2 days and I put my head in the sand to it. She had a runny nose and cough but she does have asthma. She's absolutely fine now though so I know its not covid and she's OK but lesson learned I should just do LFTs and accept the outcome instead of putting my head in the sand. I'm just desperate for her not to miss Christmas with the in laws which I know is silly really

Peakedtoosoon · 19/12/2021 16:41

I don't think I know anyone who wouldn't isolate with a positive test (certainly not who would carry on as usual, maybe some who would still go out for a walk) but I do think now schools are closed and people have time off work, they'll just stay at home rather than take a PCR.

minipie · 19/12/2021 16:41

Wow, I’m amazed anyone would actually admit that kind of behaviour!!

I do know some people who have had a positive LFT , but not a PCR because they already know they have it. But they are isolating. Still, I guess they wouldn’t show up as a positive case in the statistics.

So yes you may be right that fewer PCRs a being done - some because they want to avoid isolating, some because they are going to isolate anyway so what’s the need for a pcr,

ShirleyPhallus · 19/12/2021 16:41

@ChangeChingyChange

My daughter technically had symptoms for 2 days and I put my head in the sand to it. She had a runny nose and cough but she does have asthma. She's absolutely fine now though so I know its not covid and she's OK but lesson learned I should just do LFTs and accept the outcome instead of putting my head in the sand. I'm just desperate for her not to miss Christmas with the in laws which I know is silly really

Facepalm

Peakedtoosoon · 19/12/2021 16:42

That said,if you don't plan to act on it, why would you even take the LFT?

Yuledo · 19/12/2021 16:42

@ChangeChingyChange

My daughter technically had symptoms for 2 days and I put my head in the sand to it. She had a runny nose and cough but she does have asthma. She's absolutely fine now though so I know its not covid and she's OK but lesson learned I should just do LFTs and accept the outcome instead of putting my head in the sand. I'm just desperate for her not to miss Christmas with the in laws which I know is silly really

How do you know it’s not covid?

hazelnutlatte · 19/12/2021 16:43

Look at previous daily rates - there is always a drop at the weekend due to less reporting as less people working - that's why a 7 day average is a better indication.

Bunnyfuller · 19/12/2021 16:43

Drop? We’ve had 3 days of record numbers!

Original poster

Glassery · 19/12/2021 16:44

@hazelnutlatte

Look at previous daily rates - there is always a drop at the weekend due to less reporting as less people working - that's why a 7 day average is a better indication.

True; however my hypothesis is that the numbers will continue to fall next week.

OP posts:

FaLaLaLaLaaaar · 19/12/2021 16:44

Yes, my DM has had 2 positive lat flows, but hasn’t bothered getting a PCR. She knows she has Corona and is isolating, so why does she need a PCR?

Frazzled2207 · 19/12/2021 16:45

Thursday was the the “highest ever”. Today might be slightly lower but sundays are usually the lowest of the week.

The test system is creaking under pressure atm am fairly sure the last few figures are underestimates as it take a few days for all of them filter through to the numbers.

When ds got covid recently we didn’t pcr him, just went with the LFT result. So he won’t “count”. Doesn’t mean that we didn’t do the right thing and isolate him.

Original poster

Glassery · 19/12/2021 16:46

@Bunnyfuller

Drop? We’ve had 3 days of record numbers!

Yes, but they have fallen for the past few days. I think that is because people do not want to have to isolate over Christmas. Rather than because cases are actually dropping.

OP posts:

Original poster

Glassery · 19/12/2021 16:47

@FaLaLaLaLaaaar

Yes, my DM has had 2 positive lat flows, but hasn’t bothered getting a PCR. She knows she has Corona and is isolating, so why does she need a PCR?

Many reasons! Can’t you think of any?

OP posts:

Moonbabysmum · 19/12/2021 16:47

True; however my hypothesis is that the numbers will continue to fall next week.

😂 Yes, I know the evidence is actually that cases are going up, but my hypothesis is that they are falling...

Lol.

Smileyaxolotl1 · 19/12/2021 16:49

I think you are right. I had a LFT and a PCR just in case the test was one of the 1 in 100 which was a false positive but I’m sure lots don’t.
Or clearly have symptoms but are just ignoring them.

LibrariesGiveUsPower · 19/12/2021 16:50

They haven’t dropped the last 3 days, the last 3 days were highest ever!

DreamerSeven · 19/12/2021 16:50

@ChangeChingyChange

My daughter technically had symptoms for 2 days and I put my head in the sand to it. She had a runny nose and cough but she does have asthma. She's absolutely fine now though so I know its not covid and she's OK but lesson learned I should just do LFTs and accept the outcome instead of putting my head in the sand. I'm just desperate for her not to miss Christmas with the in laws which I know is silly really

It’s not “silly”, it’s utterly despicable, I hope you can live with yourself if she infects anyone.

Howshouldibehave · 19/12/2021 16:52

You know two close friends both of whom have done LFD tests but neither are going to confirm with PCR tests or follow any of the guidance to isolate. And both are telling their mates that’s what they’re doing??

Sorry but that is totally bizarre. Why bother to even test?

I actually don’t think I could continue to be friends with people who behaved like that.

shouldistop · 19/12/2021 16:52

They haven't dropped though?

Xmasbaby11 · 19/12/2021 16:53

I suspect the same, having heard people tell me they don't bother with PCRs. And they can't see the problem with it!

Justheretoaskaquestion91 · 19/12/2021 16:53

If you have a positive LF and you’re isolating I can easily see why you wouldn’t do a PCR. For me it’s a total ball ache to have to go to a test centre as I have 2 small children. Ordering them to home can also take days and god knows if it even shows still. They should make it possible to just log LF positives online or something if people so choose.

Justheretoaskaquestion91 · 19/12/2021 16:54

@DreamerSeven

How do you know it’s not covid, I don’t understand?

Dozer · 19/12/2021 16:55

They have also removed the requirement for a PCR for people with no symptoms living in a household with someone who has tested positive.

Bagelsandbrie · 19/12/2021 16:55

We are in South Norfolk and I don’t think anyone here is testing, well not as many as should be anyway. It’s probably why our figures look quite low in comparison to other areas.