Letter: My Covid Testing Experience

Published on: 13 May, 2020
Updated on: 13 May, 2020

From Mike Truman

In response to: Strange Secrecy of Silence Surrounds SCC’s Onslow P&R Covid-19 Testing Centre

I had a test at the Onslow Park & Ride test centre on Sunday (May 10), as part of the Imperial College reporting app. not because I had symptoms so it came back negative, as I expected.

I don’t know whether it’s the same for everyone, but mine was a self-test. A centre operator dropped the testing kit in through the window, I parked up where they could see me and I did my own throat and nose swabs and dropped the swabs (in a vial and protective envelope) as I left.

The only times my windows were open was briefly for the kit to be dropped in the passenger side and again briefly for me to drop the package into a serious-looking “hazmat” [hazardous material] box. Communication was by notices held up by staff and ringing them on my mobile. Even though the staff were all in protective gear, the car you arrive in is an integral part of the protective system.

I didn’t see anyone else arriving to be tested all the time I was there, though I may have missed a car or two when looking at my tonsils and trying not to be sick.

Responses to Letter: My Covid Testing Experience

Charles King Reply

May 13, 2020 at 6:42 pm

My Covid test was in the A&E. It was not very pleasant some force involved and I suffered from jaw ache for a week after.

The nurses and doctors were fully protected with the exception of two nurses who had to use bare hands to place catheters.

It was over six days until I got the result. Negative.

I am a 89-year-Old diabetic with various otheer medical problems and was feeling very anxious at times due to having been in contact with around five nurses and three doctors, at least now I am past that.

I know i will have to self isolate for perhaps the rest of my life. A vaccine? No thanks. I wouldn’t take the risk.