Why Are People Still Being Tested For Covid?

[dave50]

What is the point? Its like testing people for flu now. The sooner the test kits are no longer free the better. This paranoia might then stop.

[rowanwitch]

To identify new variants( PCR)
Probably wouldn't get a pcr without a lateral flow positive now

[New Judge]

Well from the end of this month you won't get a free lateral flow test so that, hopefully, should see the end to the nonsense.

It should have stopped at least three months ago. I know people who are testing themselves two or three times a week. When asked why, the only answers I can get are "to be on the safe side." Further probing elicits no sensible responses at all except that those taking the test "would probably isolate" if they tested positive.

In the last seven days around five million tests were undertaken in the UK. The only people that need testing are those who are ill enough to require medical treatment and then only to determine what treatment they need.

[ichkeria]

It isn’t paranoia. The tesrs are available and might as well be used. We’ve found them very useful recently.
And I’m no Covid alarmist

[Peter Pedant]

why do you test for a disease X say which has no treatment? - huge swathe of childhood genetic diseases

so you and the family can plan for the future.

and so I suggest with Covid - it is useful to know , considering long covid is so serious - whether or not it has a treatment

[douglas9401]

Cooovvviiiiid.

[New Judge]

//We’ve found them very useful recently.//

In what respect?

[grumpy01]

Are some contributors on here happy that they may be in an enclosed are with people who have Covid and couldn’t care less.Testing for those who want to should not be decried by a few.

[grumpy01]

Area nor are.

[bednobs]

They have already stopped sending them for free, and pharmacies have stopped giving them out.
We had to use some last week - my covid positive daughter was due to go on a residential school trip but couldn't go unless she had a negative test on day 7 and 8 (I think).

[New Judge]

//Are some contributors on here happy that they may be in an enclosed are with people who have Covid and couldn’t care less//

How would I ever know the medical status of those I'm sharing space with? I've behaved near enough normally whenever I could. I've been out and about whenever I can. I travel on trains, buses and tubes, use pubs, bars and restaurants and I've no idea whether those around me have the virus or not. I'm triple jabbed and that's all I can do.

I've tested just once which was because I had to on returning to the UK last October. Other than that I've not taken part in this nonsense. I don't expect people to test themselves for a disease which for the overwhelming majority of "sufferers" will see no significant symptoms whatsoever. I believe I may have had Covid round about November time. I certainly had most of the symptoms. I simply stayed in for a couple of days as I didn't feel too clever.

So to answer your question, When I'm around other people I've no idea which, if any, of a multitude of viral diseases they may be carrying. The only way to avoid contracting Covid is to wear a FFP3 face mask or remain indoors alone. I'm doing neither of those.

[nailit]

I tested positive for Covid a few weeks ago.
Was ill for a day and fatigued for a week...
That was it.
Tested positive for 11 days.
Followed the guidlines and isolated.
Unjabbed!

Some people have much worse symptoms, some much less.

//This paranoia might then stop//
Not a chance.....

[TheChair]

In the last 7 days, 12000 people were admitted to hospital with covid.

[New Judge]

//In the last 7 days, 12000 people were admitted to hospital with covid.//

And your point is?

Are you suggesting that people should continue to test and isolate in the light of that figure? The spread of the virus cannot be prevented or significantly reduced. Everybody will be exposed to it.

We'll leave aside that large numbers of those are admitted with something else and coincidentally test positive for Covid once they're in there. Each year around 1.5m people are admitted to hospital in England & Wales. That's 30,000 a week. It's what it's there for.

[THECORBYLOON]

What is the current average monthly hospital admission rate for the UK?

[maggiebee]

My daughter is a teacher and they have to test at least twice per week (Scotland). Better safe than sorry.

[naomi24]

I don't think people should be testing on a regular basis but having just received notification that he's been in company with someone who has tested positive, my husband has just done his first test ever - but that's because we're expecting guests this weekend, one of whom falls into the extremely vulnerable category. I have never done one.

[Prudie]

I have only tested twice and that was a travel requirement. If I describe what goes on in my workplace it gives an interesting snapshot scenario of why people keep testing. A positive test means stay off work for 10 days (used to be 14) and entire absence is counted as compassionate leave on full pay. Some staff have had 3 bouts over the 2 years. On the other hand phone in sick with a cold or flu and it counts towards sick days and potential trigger point for disciplinary action.

[THECORBYLOON]

PRUDIE, does evidence of a positive test not need to be given to your employer?

[webbo3]

My hospital is getting all the employees to test on Sunday and Monday, I'd rather listen to them than the "experts" on Facebook.

[Togo]

//In the last 7 days, 12000 people were admitted to hospital with covid.//


Nonsense.
""According to data for England, the number of people in hospital with Covid increased from 8,210 on 3 March to 11,346 on Thursday.""

and

""The highest admission rate was among those aged 85 and older.""

No Kidding?

and
""While rising infection levels in the community mean the number of people in hospital who have an “incidental” Covid infection is likely to be rising, the number of those who are being treated primarily for Covid rose from 3,445 on 3 March to 4,475 on 15 March, according to NHS England.""

If you do not understand statistics and figures it is best not to erroneously post facts pertaining to them.