Scrapping PCR tests?

[CocoCarrie]

By scrapping PCR tests and relying on LTFs instead, how is the government's recording of data going to be accurate when it is guaranteed that many people will test positive but won't be bothered to record their result?

And how will scientists identify new variants in time?

It won't be accurate and this is what the government wants as it will bring down the number of positive cases,

And now they are saying that Plan B could end in potentially 3 weeks which I guess means we are back to freedom day rules?!

They want numbers down so they look better, people are free to spread covid around as long as they make and spend money. Those of us vulnerable and/or shielding still don't matter.

Jan 26 is just the next formal review, they're not going to be able to relax the rules at that point.....

They are only scrapping PCR tests for asymptomatic people taking LFT. If you get symptoms you're supposed to take a PCR.

About fucking time.

Sil does vitamin drips as sideline from job. She had someone in at weekend who works at randox. From what he said they are scrapping everything. All being phased out. I hope to god that its true. Makes sense with the leaked stuff a while back re dropping all by 1st april.

Only scrapping pcrs if your lft is positive and you have no symptoms. If you have symptoms you do a pcr. Also, if you have symptoms but your lft is negative, you really need to do a pcr.

Seems pointless imo.l

PCRs are still being done and will continue to be done.

At some stage all testing will stop, but not currently.

I think this is the beginning of all testing being phased out. Reducing isolation periods, scrapping testing before entering the country... feels to me like the beginning of the government saying we're done with Covid.

I don't think people with symptoms will necessarily bother with a pcr now. Lots will just do a ltf instead. As others have said, this seems a deliberate attempt to get the case numbers down. Or maybe just an admission that they have let case numbers spiral out of control way beyond the capacity of our current testing capability.

Exactly what @Waxonwaxoff0 said

@Hairwizard

About fucking time.

Sil does vitamin drips as sideline from job. She had someone in at weekend who works at randox. From what he said they are scrapping everything. All being phased out. I hope to god that its true. Makes sense with the leaked stuff a while back re dropping all by 1st april.

I've enjoyed this immensely. A woman who sidelined in a 'therapy' with literally no medical justification or evidence of benefits has given you some Chinese whispers info that all covid testing is being scrapped from...when? Oh yes, April fools day.

Thanks for the chuckle

@Hairwizard

About fucking time.

Sil does vitamin drips as sideline from job. She had someone in at weekend who works at randox. From what he said they are scrapping everything. All being phased out. I hope to god that its true. Makes sense with the leaked stuff a while back re dropping all by 1st april.

Ooh can she conjure up some more shite and tell me what the lottery numbers are please x

Does anyone know if you will still be able to take a PCR test on the back of a positive LFT if you choose to (assuming tests are generally available)? I'm thinking along the lines of people who need to prove their status as "recovered" for travel in other countries, where they would need to present proof of a recent positive PCR test and where a positive LFT would not be sufficient.

You might also need an official PCR for your employer or to claim the self isolation payment

This thread title is incorrect mumsnet.

They are NOT scrapping PCR tests.

If you have symptoms, you can first do an LFT.

If it’s positive - no need for a PCR. False positives are very rare on LFTs so there is no need to bother getting a PCR. You’ve got covid. Isolate.

If it’s negative & you have symptoms - go get a PCR to double check.

It’s a perfectly sensible move. One of the ones that actually make sense!

Also, there is nothing stopping you getting a PCR if you do get a positive LFT.

Don’t log it & go get a PCR.

Simple.

But for those who don’t need to get one, you don’t need to bother IF your LF is positive.

Won't this encourage people that do LFT but do have symptoms not to worry too much about that and just go by it anyway. Nobody will know if they were asymptomatic when they took it or not.

I would imagine employers will have to accept the LFT result as evidence.

@BlackLambAndGreyFalcon

Does anyone know if you will still be able to take a PCR test on the back of a positive LFT if you choose to (assuming tests are generally available)? I'm thinking along the lines of people who need to prove their status as "recovered" for travel in other countries, where they would need to present proof of a recent positive PCR test and where a positive LFT would not be sufficient.

No one would know you've taken the LFT if you don't report the result, so you could just book a PCR in that situation?

You have to log a positive LF test and I think I read that this would then be picked up by test and trace. Would this not mean that it is included in the stats?

Am I being thick, or isn't this going to result in massive absences and make the situation worse in schools, care homes, healthcare, transport, energy etc?

All Disgruntled Employee has to do is say "Hi Boss, I took an LFT ahead of my visit to the cinema, and it was positive, so I will be self isolating for 5 - 7 days. I don't need a PCR according to the roolz, so see ya in a week."

I mean, you could lie once to get time off but it’d be a bit suspect if you kept calling in sick with a positive LF. So no, I doubt it’ll have an impact on that really. My employer don’t require proof of PCR either, I just said I had covid. But I couldn’t be ringing in every other week with it. You are really unlikely to get it again within a few months & if you’ve lied and then you do get it, well, you shouldn’t have cried wolf should you.

@2022success

Am I being thick, or isn't this going to result in massive absences and make the situation worse in schools, care homes, healthcare, transport, energy etc?

All Disgruntled Employee has to do is say "Hi Boss, I took an LFT ahead of my visit to the cinema, and it was positive, so I will be self isolating for 5 - 7 days. I don't need a PCR according to the roolz, so see ya in a week."

I agree, and to make matters even worse you can now self certify for 28 days not 7 days!!

We need to stop testing all together now - and it people want to continue to do LFT they need to start paying for them. The only exception to that should be if they are required by work and in that case the workplace should pay. If you feel sick stay at home.

@Yellowmellow2 - you don’t have to log your PCRs. You are meant too but there is no-one holding a gun to your head making you do it. I’ve never logged a single one & I do them twice a week .. can’t be arsed 🙈

So if you need/desperately want a PCR, just chuck it in the bin, don’t log it & go get a PCR!