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Original poster

So are we encouraged to not test now?

74 replies

Wednesdayafternoon · 01/04/2022 19:32

I am just so confused.

I know LFT are available to buy etc, but is the general consensus that if unwell to not bother testing anymore?

OP posts:
Iggly · 02/04/2022 08:22

@Lilaclavenders

It’s going to be a nightmare with work colleagues claiming they need to stay home for “possible covid”

But why if they feel fine enough to work?

Covid is everywhere. We are learning to live with that situation. Being vaccinated and having had covid should hopefully build up resistance.

Covid is everywhere. We are learning to live with that situation. Being vaccinated and having had covid should hopefully build up resistance

It’s everywhere because we are letting it spread unchecked.

I’ve just had covid and it’s awful. Why on earth should I accept getting this again?

And our immunity will wane.

Having freely available tests, (they could have made it cheaper by selling at cost or distributing only via pharmacies and libraries instead of delivering) and investing in air filters would make a massive difference.

Covid is not a cold. Or the flu. It will have massive long term ramifications for the health of our population.

Iggly · 02/04/2022 08:23

If they feel fine to work, they’ll stay home! That is the advice Hmm But that creates problems when we are trying to get back into the workplace or you have a workplace where you can’t work from home.

TheMarvelousMrsMaisel · 02/04/2022 08:26

The government simply can't afford it. They'd rather spend tax payers money sending it all away aboard or on government friends businesses. Time to wake up!

Iggly · 02/04/2022 08:26

@TheMarvelousMrsMaisel

The government simply can't afford it. They'd rather spend tax payers money sending it all away aboard or on government friends businesses. Time to wake up!
Yup
familyissues12345 · 02/04/2022 08:28

@Kabsy30

Seems so. My kids school have sent home things saying that only to stay off with covid like symptoms if no fever is present, we all had covid and not one of us had a fever with it so not a good way to determine if covid. Plus kids should be off with a fever covid or not!
That seems like the wrong way round?! Most schools/nurseries have a rule that if a child has a temperature they shouldn't be in!
Mindymomo · 02/04/2022 08:31

All 4 of us here had covid recently, over 20 LFT’s were used in total, but we could easily have used over 40, due to not all testing positive at the same time. We all were ill, so if there were no LFT available we would just have stayed home until we felt better, which was around 7-10 days. I’ve got 2 boxes spare and will use them if we have symptoms, just to know either way.

Lilaclavenders · 02/04/2022 08:46

And think of the massive costs including the environmental costs of all the plastic bits of these tests Shock

gettingolderandgrumpy · 02/04/2022 08:48

They aren’t available for everyone I tried this week got to the bit with my postcode and said none available. I believe you can buy them from boots and tbh if I want a test I’d get them . I think the free tests were wasted anyway some testing multiple times through the day to see so I don’t mind buying the odd test if I need it .
I tested last night as felt like I was coming down with something it was negative , when I run out I probably wouldn’t bother until I had symptoms.

KilmordenCastle · 02/04/2022 08:51

I’ve just had covid and it’s awful. Why on earth should I accept getting this again?

What does this mean? It's a virus, you don't get to accept or not accept catching it. People need to start realising that illness is an unavoidable part of life.

Lilaclavenders · 02/04/2022 08:56

It’s everywhere because we are letting it spread unchecked.

It's everywhere because it's a highly transmissible virus!

Short of everyone locking themselves in a separate room for a few weeks, we cannot stop the spread. And even then we'd import it immediately from abroad.

It's part of life - strengthen your immune as much as possible, get vaccinated.

Viruses are indeed an unavoidable part of life.

TheKeatingFive · 02/04/2022 08:57

What does this mean? It's a virus, you don't get to accept or not accept catching it.

Exactly. What a very odd comment.

bumblefeline · 02/04/2022 09:21

The amount of plastic caused by LFTs is disgusting, it's just been on bbc news.

iamsoreadyforbednow · 02/04/2022 09:26

I’ve just had a c-section where DP tested negative everyday we were in hospital beforehand, then the day after the section he tested positive and had to leave me. Then I’d course the midwives were understandably from their point of view (very understaffed due to covid sickness anyway) sparse, my care was brilliant right up until that point and then I was left without pain relief, I couldn’t get up to get my baby while he cried.. I even heard a nurse when my bell went off say “just ignore that for now” and I feel like it was too coincidental to not be about me 🥲

To then, 2 days later - come home and they’re released a statement this morning to say partners and visitors no longer required to test or provide evidence of negative result. That ‘if you feel well’ then you can be there. I just find it bonkers and I don’t want to dwell on the last but I suffered without my DP when if it had happened 48 hours later it wouldn’t have mattered 🥲

BeyondMyWits · 02/04/2022 09:41

We sell the tests at our pharmacy. £2.50 per individual test. Can't get hold of the 5 pack. Ridiculous, but we sold out yesterday.

Iggly · 02/04/2022 09:44

@KilmordenCastle

I’ve just had covid and it’s awful. Why on earth should I accept getting this again?

What does this mean? It's a virus, you don't get to accept or not accept catching it. People need to start realising that illness is an unavoidable part of life.

Why is it odd?

What I mean is that I don’t accept that it’s inevitable. What I do accept is that I may catch it, but I will do everything I can not to catch it (again)!

Why do people accept such rubbish public health and not ask for more to be done. A few air filters isn’t going to break the bank, but 10% of the people who get covid ending up with long covid will.

Iggly · 02/04/2022 09:45

@Lilaclavenders

It’s everywhere because we are letting it spread unchecked.

It's everywhere because it's a highly transmissible virus!

Short of everyone locking themselves in a separate room for a few weeks, we cannot stop the spread. And even then we'd import it immediately from abroad.

It's part of life - strengthen your immune as much as possible, get vaccinated.

Viruses are indeed an unavoidable part of life.

We can reduce the spread by having cleaner air indoors.

We ensure our drinking water is clean (unless you think we should just unwind that and let viruses, bacteria and other pathogens to enter our drinking water…. Using your logic…..)

So why not the same with indoor air? Let’s clean it as best we can!

Lilaclavenders · 02/04/2022 09:58

So why not the same with indoor air? Let’s clean it as best we can!

Sure, let's open the windows more - fresh air is always a good idea.

TypicaIMe · 02/04/2022 10:28

@MrsPelligrinoPetrichor you now have to confirm you're in one of the eligible groups (there's a link to information on who is eligible) to order, so it's not the same as it was previously.

There was a piece in one of the newspapers yesterday (The i, I think) about how some people were saying they were in the eligible groups when they weren't and the orders were going through. I really hope this isn't true, there ends up being a shortage and those who need them can't get them.

ENoeuf · 02/04/2022 10:55

Its obvious people are going to do that. If they can get something for free they will. Government should ask for proof or issue through appropriate channels.

Attictroll · 02/04/2022 11:10

We were lucky to have them for free for so long but it also led to people over using them too. I currently have covid started feeling unwell Sunday took test before work Monday result negative- pushed through as though it was a cold but felt a lot worse Thursday and work weren’t being sympathetic about me needing time off so almost took another one to just try to prove to my boss I was really ill- and big fat positive and then have felt worse since. I intend to go back into society when I feel up to it but won’t do the testing to get out as apparently it can still say positive for 90 days but at the same time am going to hold on to my old free lft but only use if any of the family actually have symptoms

Attictroll · 02/04/2022 11:11

And would buy a box and use them sparingly if need be too

Iggly · 02/04/2022 12:01

@Lilaclavenders

So why not the same with indoor air? Let’s clean it as best we can!

Sure, let's open the windows more - fresh air is always a good idea.

Not every building can just open its windows as I’m sure you’re well aware.
Lilaclavenders · 02/04/2022 12:38

I understand that and never implied that they did. I just responded in agreement to your suggestion of improving the air.

Iggly · 02/04/2022 12:39

@Lilaclavenders

I understand that and never implied that they did. I just responded in agreement to your suggestion of improving the air.
I apologise, it felt like a flippant response.

I think investing in air filters really is what the government should be doing to bring covid rates down. Especially as more news and research comes out about the long term impact of this virus.

monicagellerbing · 02/04/2022 12:41

@iamsoreadyforbednow I've had two c-sections both well before covid and my husband was never allowed to stay with me. It's not the norm to have partners stay. We all just had to get on with it with shit post natal care