Why are people using so many lateral flow tests

[Wfhquery]

Read loads of threads where ppl are doing them several times a day and then just read a thread where child currently has covid but not up to the days where you can test to leave isolation yet and the mother has tested her just to see and guess what she’s still showing positive. Just because tests are free doesn’t mean we aren’t indirectly paying for them, if people had to pay for the tests directly would they be doing so many?

We’re currently have an outbreak in work… which is a school. Some people who have tested negative in the morning before they come in have them tested positive a few hours later.
We are daily testing due to coming in to regular contact with kids who test positive during school hours

It's bonkers. The cost to the taxpayer is £8 PER TEST (not to mention the environmental impact with all the single use plastic).

(Just to add that I understand that in many circumstances daily testing is necessary, but a whole family who have Covid and so are isolating anyway and aren't at the stage when they need to test to finish isolating is a complete and utter waste).

I test before I meet people in indoor places such as restaurants, and for working face to face with people. Also before the odd visit to vulnerable /elderly friends. There doesn't seem to be any need for a lot of people to be testing repeatedly.

The environmental impact really upsets me. I try to off set it.

I think it’s unnecessary to test unless you’ve come in contact with a positive, or have symptoms

I’m also in a school with a high level of covid, we are running at 26% of children absent with covid. We are asked to test daily by the local authority.

The Scottish Government are advising people to LFT every time they travel on public transport or mix with another household. Which for many people will be every day

Testing constantly in unsustainable, wasteful and frankly hysterical.

Because we're asked to for work.

Mind you, I reckon the posties are nicking a few - about 50% of those we've ordered have never arrived.

I was testing a couple of times a week( for work). Tested positive on Monday. So other household members are now testing daily. As I will be from day 6.

I agree there’s no need to do more than one test a day.

We're currently doing them daily as been identified as close contacts and asked to, but I agree that multiple per day is ridiculous.

Have to do daily tests, as requested by work.

Dcs are asked to test twice a week for school. DH is asked to test before he goes to the office. (one day a week).

So we are using 5 a week. We did not go out at all over the christmas period, but I recall the various governments were asking for people to test before then also.

So, basically I think people are generally adhering to what is being asked of them and expected of them. The amount it costs is shocking though.

The once daily is recommended, but the people that are doing them 2 or 3 times a day after testing positive just to see if they continue to test positive is a waste of tests.

@Woffle

Because we're asked to for work.

Mind you, I reckon the posties are nicking a few - about 50% of those we've ordered have never arrived.

I was thinking the same myself . The tests are sent in their floflex box with a postage label on . I've had a couple of orders that have been confirmed but have never arrived . I don't blame postal workers if they do intercept the odd box . Postal workers have been hit hard by covid in my area lately .

DD has to test before work - against national advice - I think her work should pay for it.
DH has to test twice weekly - given ent advice and he does.
DD/DS have twice weekly tests for school - and then again prior to driving lessons.
I think we should pay for the driving lesson ones.
I test twice weekly for work. We have been advised to test more often as there’s a few cases/close contacts.

FWIW we do not have to isolate as close contacts - regardless of vaccination status.

We do have to test daily if close contact for 7 days AND longer of positive case at home .