Source
r/CoronavirusUK•
WCSecret

Anxious about catching covid from a walk-through test centre

Discussion

Hi All, firstly just to say thanks for this sub and all the amazing daily contributers.

So I had some symptoms last week and went to get a test at a walk through test centre last Wednesday. Thankfully it came back negative (the same day, impressive turnaround!), but now I’m feeling awfully anxious that I put myself at risk and may have caught the virus by going there.

The centre was like a big tent in a car park... didn’t seem that well ventilated. It wasn’t busy but I saw four people leaving as I was going in. I spent as little time as possible there but still a bit paranoid about being close to the mirror to swab, and wondering if I was in the same ‘tent booth’ as someone was just minutes ago.

I found very little online about how safe (or not) walk-through test centres are, so I’m just wondering if anyone here can shed any light?

Posted Feb 20, 2021, 1:53 PM UTC

09
matiyarosz•

There's always a risk of catching a virus, but they're quite low. People coming in to a test centre have a completely different mindset than let's say a supermarket. It's more likely that people will practice better social distancing and the precautions taken by test & trace staff also tend to be much better.

I knoe it's easier said than done, but I wouldn't be anxious if I was you, simply rest your mind and try to avoid r/coronavirusuk. In case if you get any symptoms, choose the online delivery test instead of the walk-in centre.

12
monkfishjoe•

Hi. Obviously can't say for sure, but I think you'll be fine.

The centres are set up to protect not only the people coming for tests, but also the staff who are there all day, everyday. It would be very bad if they were losing staff to Covid all the time!

I'm sure you're OK, but if you do feel unwell, maybe order a home test?

Take care

5
hollyviolet96•

I have a family member who works at a test site and she thinks it’s about as COVID-safe as a workplace could be. The little rooms/tables where you do you test are thoroughly cleaned after each person uses them, and social distancing and masks are taken really seriously. Your chances of catching COVID there is not any higher than any of the other essential reasons you have to leave your home. Anxiety absolutely sucks and I’m sorry it’s been stressing you. Hope you these comments help a bit!

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4
woodsmokeandsea•

Anecdotal

I worked in one for a few months never caught covid. This was in an area of 1000-1500 cases per 100k at the time (currently at ~250 per 100k in our area)

It’ll be fine

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3
WCSecretOP•

Hey thanks a lot for writing, that really does help add context to the risk. I was careful not to touch the mirror or my face afterwards, I guess my fear was more around airborne infection.

Hope your result comes back negative and you’re feeling better soon!

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2
MOmoalas92•

It's disinfected before and after each use

2
zippy_rainbow•

I think I may have been to the same one. I was pretty annoyed tbh...it didn't feel safe at all. It was a tent but almost completely closed up, so little ventilation. I was only going for a precaution, so I was not happy to be basically in a closed up space with people with covid symptoms like a hacking cough. I tried not to worry too much after I left, cos what can you do, but I definitely felt like it was the biggest risk I'd taken in months, and I won't be going back as a precaution again.

2
boohoodex•

I currently work at a test site and it has been open since September. No one I work with with or know has caught the virus from working at a test centre. Everything is sprayed down and cleaned after each and every person so there’s nothing to be worried about

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