Free tests still causing confusion

[Thepainterswife]

A couple of weeks ago I ordered some test kits on the Govt site and received them within a couple of days 😊 A few days later there was a post on here complaining that the tests were no longer available on the site even though issue of free test kits doesn’t come to an end until 1st April, many people said they had been unable to get them. So this morning we received a second set of tests which we had not asked for 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’m not complaining, it’s comforting to know we have them ,but what on earth is going on ??

[sassy59]

Same here! A test kit came this morning. Maybe they’ve had a change of heart.🤷‍♀️Xxx

[Thepainterswife in reply to sassy59]

No idea Sassy , I’m grateful for it just never ordered it 😂 x

[Hidden]

After the announcement about the changes was made, they reduced the stock available online and restricted the number of requests people could make. As a result, the website would tell people there were none available. However, test stock is released across the day, so it’s worth trying in the afternoon if you’re unsuccessful in the morning; I was told this by a medic I know in a personal capacity, but the same was also reported by the BBC either yesterday or today. In line with the testing changes, I’m guessing that they’ve also reduced manufacture/ordering of tests to save money, so the ordering restrictions were probably put in place to support that whilst still maintaining some stock for the small proportion that will still be entitled to free tests afterwards. As well as prevent unscrupulous people from trying to make money by selling them. Can’t explain why you got the extra set, though! 😂

[Thepainterswife in reply to Hidden]

No neither can I and whilst a lottery win would’ve been better it was still a nice surprise 😂

[Hidden]

I presume that you are talking about LF tests. Just had a box delivered. Ordered 5am yesterday. The daily amount available goes v quickly so I order after midnight. The free ones stop from April 1 except for the selected groups.

[peege]

Lucky you! I ordered some for postal delivery last night & got lucky.I shall try again on 31st - the last day for ordering free tests & keep fingers crossed.

It's maddening, so many of us need them not only because we're lungies but because we have very vulnerable loved ones to protect. I will be cutting back financially in the future in order to purchase LF tests. P ××

[Thepainterswife in reply to peege]

😢 it’s all very sad, just how much can we cut back ? Burn furniture to keep warm ? My positivity is being seriously battered ! However, I refuse to give in - everything will be alright in the end, if it’s not alright it’s not the end - that’s my motto 😊 xx

[SORRELHIPPO in reply to Thepainterswife]

I am hoping to get a few more, to give to friends, as this is the only way I can let them visit me!!

[Thepainterswife in reply to SORRELHIPPO]

Same here , Geoff is very wary of anyone coming into the house , even family 😟 Good luck , I hope you manage to get more x

[Wanttobehapppy]

There will be loads on sale after the 1st I think , think about that for a second

[CDPO16]

My chemist brought me a pack last week with my prescription. Hadn't asked for it and the driver said they were just giving them out. They did the same last year.

[Thepainterswife in reply to CDPO16]

Ahhh that makes sense , but let’s hope we don’t need them 🤞xx

[CDPO16 in reply to Thepainterswife]

Does it? Am I missing something? Certainly missing a decent brain nowadays 😂 I hope we don't need them too.

[Thepainterswife in reply to CDPO16]

Makes sense insofar as why have we received a kit we didn’t order whether it makes sense to randomly give them away I wouldn’t like to say , my brain is on a par with yours these days . Sometimes it can take me and Geoff ten minutes of heated discussion before our confused brains realise we’re basically arguing the same point 😂

[CDPO16 in reply to Thepainterswife]

Ah, now I understand. We have similar arguments too!

[CDPO16 in reply to Thepainterswife]

Have just read on Sky news that free tests will continue for immunosuppressed and over 75's but not for CEV and not for NHS staff either. I wonder if my carers will have to start paying for their tests or if employers will still provide them. I then wonder if anyone disabled or elderly and living alone will be able to easily buy a kit if they need to. It's all a real dogs dinner.

[madonbrew in reply to CDPO16]

It’s slightly random isn’t it because I am immune compromised and was entitled to the 3rd primary vaccine and then 4 dose booster, yet I didn’t hear anything about the pcr tests hat people were getting and the entitlement to the special drug they were giving to immune suppressed people. I wonder where I stand on this??? Goodness knows!

[CDPO16 in reply to madonbrew]

I wish I could help you with that Dee xx

[Thepainterswife in reply to madonbrew]

Random is putting it mildly Dee Hope you’re ok xx

[Thepainterswife in reply to CDPO16]

Totally agree Carole , dogs dinner in a nutshell. I can’t see how carers will afford to pay for the amount of tests they’d need to do along with the cost of everything else going up 🤦🏻‍♀️and the same goes for many of their employers . I can only think the government are relying on CEV testing themselves and if positive applying for the antiviral meds which in effect puts the costs onto the CEV 😟 xx

[B0xermad]

Hi I have been trying all week and just now after reading your post I tried again and got some on the way thanks for the message

[Hidden]

I received a pack yesterday aswell (never ordered them )

[AngieB72]

I think they are sending them out to those that fit the criteria for the antiviral treatments (those that were sent the priority PCR a couple of months ago). I may be wrong though.

[Jaffa_Cat in reply to AngieB72]

I was going to comment with the same answer. I received a pack I hadn't ordered yesterday, and the only reason I can think is that I'm eligible for antiviral treatment and so perhaps they are making sure people in that category have access to tests. No idea if we'll continue to get sent random boxes of tests, or if that was just a one-off!

[barbs47]

Hi Thepainterswife the same thing has happened to me. I ordered a box of test a couple of weeks ago which were delivered within a couple days. Yesterday out of the blue a further test was delivered. Like you I’m not complaining just perplexed as to what is going on Barbs x

[ostiad]

I received a pack yesterday too, I thought it strange as funnily enough I'd been on the site and it said 'unfortunately, none available for delivery'. Thankful once again for the information shared on this site.

[Littleeak]

Not concerning lateral flow tests but...My husband used his priority PCR test on Saturday & a replacement arrived this morning!

[helenlw7 in reply to Littleeak]

I used my priority PCR test on Friday and it came back positive. I had the antiviral infusion yesterday and a replacement PCR test came today!

[Littleeak in reply to helenlw7]

You're lucky to get the treatment....my husband was told he's not eligible!

[helenlw7 in reply to Littleeak]

I think I got it because I have bronchiectstasis and uncontrolled asthma, as well as being on mtx and long term steroids. I hope your husband is ok.

[Littleeak in reply to helenlw7]

Yes when they called him long term steroids were mentioned. Luckily he's got a nebuliser so that's being used more than normal!

I suppose we've done well to escape it for this long! Day 5 for us both tomorrow but I'm not expecting negative lateral flow results!

Hope you're soon on the mend.

[helenlw7 in reply to Littleeak]

I’m on day 5 today and did an lft just to see how red the line was. It’s slightly paler than Friday’s line.

[Doggie123-UK]

I have just ordered a pack today with no problems (I live in Wales)

[watergazer]

Yes I went on the site to try to get some but none available. We ordered some weeks ago and they never arrived I’m not classed as CEV so unlikely to get some in the post. None at the chemists too Accept whatever they send 😀

[Firefly25]

I received a pcr test yesterday that I hadn’t ordered! I’m apparently not eligible for 4th jab or booster so slightly confused!

[SparkySW123]

I agree with everything that's been said. I too received a Lateral Flow kit a couple of days ago without requesting it and some while ago also received a PCR kit. It strkes me that once the free kits have stopped that people just won't bother to order them because they have to pay for them and that is only going to make the situation even worse than it is now! God help us all particualy us lungies!

[Giggles-Wig]

The lateral flow tests are still free for those of us who are classed as a medically vulnerable persons, we can vstill get the lateral flow tests for free but for those of us who work, they will have to pay £2 or £6 for a test but u those that are working and need to test, a pack of 7 tests will cost £20 wich is alot of money especially for those who don't have alot mof money

[MoyB]

I tried to order some today and was told there were none. My husband went to pick up the post and there was a box there with my name on it! I am presuming it's because I was sent the testing kit and told I would get treatment if I tested positive.xx Moy

[Digger0]

I have had a second box of LFT's through the post this morning, probably because I am (at last) classed as clinically vulnerable.

[CDPO16]

I have just received a pack of lateral flow tests through the post. Not requested, no accompanying letter. ?!

[Thepainterswife in reply to CDPO16]

😂🤣 pandemic communication seems to be flawed - to put it mildly 🤦🏻‍♀️ We received a letter weeks ago inviting Geoff to have a 4th booster , I thought it didn’t apply to him because he’s CEV but not immunocompromised , the doctor came out to him that week so I checked with him and he said “ I know nothing about that , just ignore it “ 😂 I know we shouldn’t laugh but to be honest I think I’ve finally cracked 🤪 xx

[CDPO16]

I'm cracking too but my sense of humour seems to have deserted me now 🙄. It's getting ridiculous.

[Thepainterswife]

Its maybe not so much sense of humour as hysterics I think Carole , I’m really beginning to feel I’m living in a world completely alien to anything I’ve ever been used to . Everything that used to be “normal” now comes with risks , everyone we used to rely on for reassurance like healthcare professionals seem less reliable , all the advice given out is usually ambiguous, unclear or just plain wrong To put it in modern parlance “ my head is battered “ I must admit though I do keep smiling , things I can’t control tend to just go over my head these days - most of the time . Try not to be too down , surely things have got to get better soon ? Xxx