Hi Paul,
Around the forums, I'm seeing more people who are anxious, confused, & wanting to have some certainty. If one can get a Rapid Antigen Test, firstly, they wouldn't be waiting in a queue to get the PCR test, feeling as I did, that if I find myself waiting with people who had symptoms, which might be COVID-19, I would be putting myself at risk while meeting the hospital's requirements for me to have a PCR Test done within 3 days of admission to hospital. I am supposed to show them the results.
I had a feeling the results might not return as quickly, now more people need testing, &, guess what? I'm still waiting for the results. I had my test 9:15-45 last Friday morning. It's Monday morning, 10am as I write. 36hrs+ & counting.
This time from taking the test to getting results is an issue, especially for those who have symptoms. It's stressful waiting. If I needed to go to work today, I would have not been able to, if I didn't know what the cause of my symptoms are, would I?
I don't have symptoms. I only did the PCR test because the hospital has required it. How many people soon to be admitted to hospital for treatments or surgery are being asked to get PCR tests, alongside people with symptoms needing the test?
If I could I would be trying to get RATests, 2 or 3 or let the hospital do them when I arrive in the morning, + when I actually go to the ward as well. Just to be sure.
I'm in Qld, & hospitals are doing the PCR test only for people with symptoms. So I had to go to a Pathology clinic & have them do it. I didn't have to pay. I presented my Medicare card, & it was done efficiently.
I'm fortunate. I'm not in a place, such as Vic or NSW where I see testing centres are overwhelmed. I am nervous though, that Qld & other places could have the kinds of numbers as we're seeing in NSW & Vic & as they continue to climb, it's o wonder to me that many people are feeling unsafe & afraid.
Our governments, federal, State & Territory, have not been able to come together & present Australians with a coherent & unified response to current COVID-19 Omicron & Delta outbreaks. People lose confidence. People don't know what to do or not, & begin to feel abandoned & confused. The info out there is not easy to wade through & understand. Things which are recommended are so dependant on too many factors for most people to get their heads around.
I think people are looking to RATests to feel in some control again. DIY, you know. We're looking after ourselves out here.🙀