Dear Sir,

I’m contacting you to alert readers to my mother’s situation.

My mum suffers with severe COPD and started to get covid symptoms on Tuesday 15/09/2020 morning.

She contacted her respiratory nurse for a rescue pack (steroids, antibiotics) but due to this new dry cough and high temperature she was advised to get a test.

We have been trying desperately to get mum a test since Monday morning to no avail.

We have called the helpline and also the doctor who also says she needs a test ASAP but we just can’t get one!

I’m terrified of losing my mum but also terrified as my sister visited her Monday, the day before her symptoms started and I have been in contact with my sister!

Today (Wednesday) we went to McDonald’s for lunch and also visited Poundshop and Lidl’s.

I have three children in two different schools! So if mum has got the virus then we have most likely spread it around half of Harlow.

How on earth do we get mum a test!

She is too poorly to drive to London and that’s where all the availability is!

One came up at Stansted Airport and I tried to book on to it but it was gone in seconds. What are we supposed to do?

Regards

Jennifer

Update:

Jennifer’s mother was able to get a test at Stansted Airport on Friday.

=======================

Comments

Gareth

Your mum was trying to get a test on Monday why did you go out to shopping on Wednesday and go round some one house. I think you need to have good look the mirror and stay at home
Why go out?

Kthe5

It is completely wrong that someone who has symptoms cannot get a test. The stress and uncertainty must be very worring to all. I have no wish to belittle someone elses worries for anyone else, but I’ve just read this:

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-nhs-testing-hospitals-shortage-b485589.html

“NHS hospitals have been banned from launching their own coronavirus testing for staff and patients who have symptoms – despite a nationwide shortage in tests.”

This is, by a very long way, not the “world class” system that was promised months ago.

If even the NHS and other key workers cannot get a test what hope is there for anyone else?

I really wish I could be more positive but I cannot.