COVID-19: THE POSITIVE PCR TEST

Yesterday I reported that I had a positive Lateral Flow Test.  This was the first time using that brand, and I had none of the classic symptoms.  So I used an LFT test from a different brand that up to then had always given negative results.  Again positive. Virtually certain to have COVID-19 infection.

Today my PCR result came through by email, 24 hours after the test:

    "Test date: 26/12/2021    Your recent coronavirus (COVID-19) test came back positive."

So that's definite.  I have COVID-19.  Despite being double-jabbed and boosted.  Though hopefully vaccination will have better prepared my immunity, such that illness will be milder than had I not been vaccinated.  So far so good (touches wood!)

The SMS text was clearer, especially on self-isolation and other actions to take: 

WHAT ABOUT THE COVID-19 APP?

Both the text and email asked for the Covid-19 app to be updated with a code.  This is so likely contacts would be notified, and the user would get self-isolation advice.  

But does anyone use the app now?  I never used it, as I had major concerns about the contacts function of the app. The chance of false notifications too high, as: 

(a) No check-out function to identify clearly if two people were actually in the same place at the same time.  

(b)  Inherently able to show proximity despite a physical barriers between the phones, such as a wall

Certainly no venues have been asking for sign-in recently.  Especially the venue most likely to have been the source of my infection.

Per the email:  

Update 28/12/21:  I've reluctantly downloaded the app, in the hope for clarity on which day I can exit isolation.  Although freshly downloaded, it doesn't mention the new 7 day rule.  It's talking 10 days, and confusingly says "You need to self-isolate until 5 Jan 2022 at 2359" and "9 days to go".:

• Why doesn't it say "end self-isolation from 6 Jan at 0001"?
• Then "9 days to go" would make clear sense. With 9 days to go on 28/12, then 1 day to go would be on 5 January, with freedom on 6 January 

So does the 7-day rule for people who comply with the conditions mean 'freedom' on 3 January?  What if had 'symptoms' the day before testing?  Would that legally be 2 January?  I need to know!

(As a former Computer Audit Manager for a Big4, the clowns who are responsible for developing and maintaining the app (or those managing them) would not want to see my review!  Key components in the app have come from reliable sources, but their use in the app is poor.  Well below an acceptable standard.)

NO SMARTPHONE?

What about for people without a smartphone?  No advice.  Not good enough!

SYMPTOMS

So far, touch wood, symptoms have been virtually non-existent.  None of the classic COVID-19 symptoms that would have prompted a PCR test, had there been no positive LFT.

But there has been one odd symptom, that started on Christmas Day when I was probably just infected.  Maybe a coincidence, as there are other possible causes.  As those could be serious, I am going to have to consult a doctor if this does not disappear by say a week's time.

CONSEQUENCES OF MY INFECTION

So far so good.  Touch wood.   All being well, I will not become seriously ill, certainly not enough to need hospital admission.  But that doesn't mean this infection has been without consequences.  Especially if we look at community effects by scaling up the effects for the exceptionally high number of new infections in communities throughout the land.  

In the next week or so:

• If I have to consult a doctor, who might refer me to a specialist, then that is additional strain on the NHS.  Resources taken away from handling other health issues
• I was rostered to volunteer at a Food Bank.  With other volunteers off ill too this week, staffing this essential service is under strain.  I've been watching calls going out for volunteers regularly through the day to keep the service running.
• Employers in other organisations are also struggling with staffing, such as trains and the NHS.  Some closing, such as football matches called off due to covid-stricken teams

Imagine if supermarkets started to shut, due to lack of staff or lack of supply.  Not just loo rolls.  Nor petrol.  But actual food.  Wouldn't there be panic?  Why is the Government taking the risk?  Surely someone has raised this realistic possibility!  Maybe the risk is small.  But just like insurance, when the consequence is large, the wise take action.  No action today in England, it's been announced.

There's then longer term consequences:

• People losing their sense of taste and smell for an extended period
• Prolonged exhaustion, common after any major infection
• Other LongCovid symptoms, that can also keep people off work, and unable to function as normal.  Massive consequences to the individuals affected.  Also to society if many people are affected, as numbers will be proportional to case rates
  

There is no need for more data.  It is abundantly clear that the Government is taking unacceptable risks with our lives and communities.  The economy very much at risk in 2022.

The situation is screaming out "Action now."

CONTACT TRACING

I have also been asked to complete various details on a web site for contact tracing purposes.  Utterly useless.