A MUM is calling for the return of community testing of COVID-19 after being told her 13-year-old daughter will not be screened for the virus – despite showing symptoms.
The Brockhill residents have been in isolation since Sunday on NHS advice.
The mum, who didn’t want to be named, told the Standard: “A doctor called me and said he is certain my daughter has contracted coronavirus but she will only be diagnosed officially if she is admitted to hospital.
“I have told St Bede’s, where she attends, the local gym and her swimming club at Abbey Stadium to warn other parents that their children may have come into contact with her last weekend.
“But because it’s not in writing we are being ignored and attitudes remain relaxed.
“I’m really scared by this situation because I have a poorly girl at home and zero support. It’s difficult to know when I should call for an ambulance.”
Not everyone who shows symptoms of COVID-19 will be tested in the UK.
In fact, as it stands, it’s more likely you won’t be tested unless you are admitted to hospital, despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) urging countries to ‘test, test, test’.
As of March 18 – 56,221 people in the UK had been tested for coronavirus.
The number of tests has been rising from just over 1,000 a day at the end of February, when testing began, to more than 6,000 per day by mid-March.
The government has revealed plans to increase this to 10,000 a day, with a goal of reaching 25,000 tests a day.
NHS advice is now that anyone with symptoms should stay at home for at least 7 days.
If you live with other people, everyone should isolate for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home.
If you get worse or your symptoms last longer than seven days, you should call NHS 111.
Those who have fallen ill are reported to suffer coughs, fever and breathing difficulties.
For more information visit http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19
