Why is there no PCR tests available?

New guidelines re testing, isolating etc.

https://www.thejournal.ie/latest-figures-covid-3-5642921-Dec2021/

“This evening, it was announced that there are to be changes to the testing regiment as well as a shortening of the self-isolation period of those who are Covid positive.

Those with symptoms aged 4-39 years should self-isolate immediately and undertake regular antigen tests rather than booking a PCR test, under the new rules. 

Also, those aged over 13, who have had their booster or are fully vaccinated should self-isolate for seven days from the onset of symptoms. They should only exit isolation after seven days if symptoms have substantially or fully resolved for the final two of those seven days.

Dr Tony Holohan said: “For the fourth time this week, we are reporting Ireland’s highest ever number of confirmed cases of Covid-19.

“The most effective way to minimise the risk of any of us transmitting this virus to others is to avoid mixing indoors with people from other households. I know this is not the advice any one of us wants to hear, particularly in advance of New Year celebrations. However, given the current profile of the disease, it is essential that all of us continue to keep our social contacts as low as possible in the days ahead.” “

lawrencesummers

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118389919#Comment_118389919

And plenty have kids in school, or have to go to work and come in contact with others.

can we start to realize the guidelines are designed to slow the spread as opposed to stop it and are designed to reduce numbers not eliminate it, they know people are going to get shot in the crossfire.

Donald Trump

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118394197#Comment_118394197

What are you on about with your last sentence? Are you only realising that now? We are nearly two years into this. How were you not aware of that from the start? People on these threads were blue in the face trying to explain that it was about keeping numbers down to protect the health service etc. How many times have I seen someone post that it was the difference between asking whether you'd want a record month of rainfall spread across an entire month, or in 24 hours.

Your first sentence is completely irrelevant. I had to make a trip to a shopping centre briefly today to pick up something essential. The first time I'd been in well over a month. I just went in, picked it up, paid and left. The amount of arseholes strolling around with masks half on or under their noses was unbelievable. Just because you have a kid in school doesn't prevent you from wearing a mask properly.

Cluedo Monopoly

Still impossible to get a PCR. Must be a week now.

For Forks Sake

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118385418#Comment_118385418

That aged well. 44k yesterday

lawrencesummers

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118394481#Comment_118394481

Amazing.

Another 10 record breaking waves and we might get to the level needed.

Its fascinating also that people still have any faith in the ability of the HSE to accurately conduct medical testing of any fashion.

Buddy Bubs

I tested positive on antigen before Christmas, went straight on site during the day and booked test for Xmas eve, got lucky I know. Results back Xmas day, positive.

Gf antigen tested positive Xmas day, went on site after midnight bit of a struggle but booked her a test by about 1230. Results back in 24 hours, positive

Ex GF and her son tested positive antigen on 29th, she just got on to me to ask how I was and told me they are positive, I chanced it after midnight that night and got 2 tests in 2 sites by 1 a.m. for them. These tests are today.

Yes, site crashed and it was frustrating but just stick at it. There were thousands of appointments after midnight, you might have to do a bit of a drive but sure what else would you be doing if you have covid?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118394244#Comment_118394244

Have you tried your GP? The new guidelines suggest that under 40’s shouldn’t get a PCR but isolate and use antigens.

“Those with symptoms aged 4-39 years should self-isolate immediately and undertake regular antigen tests rather than booking a PCR test, under the new rules. 

Also, those aged over 13, who have had their booster or are fully vaccinated should self-isolate for seven days from the onset of symptoms. They should only exit isolation after seven days if symptoms have substantially or fully resolved for the final two of those seven days.“

Snake Plisken

Trying to get a GP referral and they won't as they said HSE have advised GPs to get people to book through the website and not put through any referrals.

Icantthinkof1

I was referred for a test 48hours ago from our GP and still no appointment; to be fair I guess they can’t give out what they don’t have. It is beyond frustrating though

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118385498#Comment_118385498

They’re charging for a phone consultation not the PCR referral.

still cheeky out, but yeah.

ebbsy

I had a positive antigen test and then managed to book a PCR miles away.

I could see what the staff are having to go through out there, it cannot continue like this.

People who need it should have access to it 100%, but not the world and its mother.

Lots of changes needed.

I hope everybody on here gets one.

ebbsy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118394732#Comment_118394732

Yep. I had an hours drive but it was necessary.

Confused11811

Got myself and two family members tested today. We all had next to zero symptoms other than an occasional blocked noise or occasionally cough. None of which is unusual for me at this time of year.

We only done an antigen test on the 27th after a parent of my daughter's friend tested positive. We all got positive antigen test results, repeated the test another 2 times with the same results. I'm double dosed with booster done on the 20th of December. Two daughters aged 13 and 10 both unvaccinated, I'm reluctant to get them vaccinated as my eldest had a really bad reaction soon after her getting the first HPV vaccine which resulted in hospitalisation. HSE aftercare and follow up to the reaction was non-existent.

I read this thread and between the noise of people arguing in the usual way they're are some posters actually posted good and specific details on how/when they got bookings. It seemed to me test slots only become available at midnight and the half hour mark afterwards. I got both of my daughter's appointments for today at 11:30am at Explorium National Sport & Science Center In D18 and myself a booking for in the Carlton Hotel by the airport for 2:30pm. I secured the bookings at midnight, 12:30 am and the final one 1:30 am.

Went to the Explorium today, a very well run setup and asked if they had capacity to do mine along with the girls, they said no as the labs only had capacity to test for what's been booked. Then I explained I had a booking in the Carlton for later that day and as it turned out the testing at the Explorium and the Carlton are run by the same company/lab and all 3 of us could be done in one sitting. From arrival , car queue, checking in and testing took 10 minutes. Was very happy to get us all done and the guys there where very friendly and professional.

shesty

I brought my 7 year old for a test the other day, asked could I also be tested, seeing I was a close contact of her and needed one.They said no, I needed a booking.(I had one privately for the next day, but was trying to save myself the trip)

I think if you are in the system for a booking, you should be able to get a test if you go along with another family member, but if you are not in the system for a test at all, they won't usually give you one

Cluedo Monopoly

My brother had a few of us trying to book him a PCR since 24th. None of us were able to secure a slot. I stayed up after midnight a couple of times to try and get one because I heard new batches were released after midnight. I did see slots available but they were gone as soon as you clicked on them.

He told us not to bother trying to get a PCR slot anymore. He had a very mild dose and has been feeling better since 26th. He also got 2 negative antigens (after 4 positive ones) and completes his isolation on Sunday. He will never be counted as a positive case now, not that it really matters - but I wonder how many others are in the same boat.

BlazingSaddler

Hi all. What actually is the advice now please? I am late 40’s, just tested positive in two out of three antigens. I called my GP to get a PCR but they said as I have no symptoms they can’t refer me. The Portal is obviously showing zero appointments, can’t get a private test. Feel like I’m in limbo!

Sexual Chocolate

Is it difficult to secure an appointment because GPs have first preference ?

Anything I seen earlier on was this.

the corpo

This may have been posted already, but the system seems to recycle failed/time out bookings after the midnight rush. It seems to do this on the half hour, so if you can stay up, keep checking.

For example, I tried at midnight, thousands of spots available, all gone by 12.05 and I missed about. At 12.30 on the button, hundreds more were suddenly available, but gone in seconds. At 1am a smaller, but still significant amount came onstream. At 1.30, another smaller batch appeared and I managed to get one of those.

touts

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118396461#Comment_118396461

We're one of those in that boat. Three of us in our house. Impossible to book a test. Haven't heard of anyone actually getting a test except through a doctor and only if they have symptoms. Hence the high positively rate. My bet now is more people can't get a test than can get a test. So we are looking at tens of thousands of missed cases. Daily

The testing system has reached its capacity. 3.6 roentg.... sorry 20,000 cases daily. Not great. Not terrible. Let's keep the schools open....

BlazingSaddler

3 available in Galway for today

Cluedo Monopoly

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118396799#Comment_118396799

Nope. When you click on them, they are gone. It's always the same. Teasers 😉

ebbsy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118396678#Comment_118396678

Strangely enough, that is how I got mine.

ebbsy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118396872#Comment_118396872

Its like trying to get a PS5 in Agros.

BlazingSaddler

Thought I had struck gold then, had the validation code, put all my personal details in then no longer available. Happy New Year everyone 🤦‍♂️

maxamillius

Can someone explain…

I had a positive antigen today, feeling crap but not the worst by any means. Eldest daughter also tested positive.. like everyone here I can’t get a PCR, if I don’t get a PCR I can’t get a recovery cert.

I also can’t get the booster now for 3 months due to having covid. So if the rules change saying you need a booster for your cert to be valid or you need a recovery cert, I will have neither and essentially be classed as unvaccinated.

surely they will need to sort this out

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118397031#Comment_118397031

you probably wont be alone in this situation, so i wouldnt panic, just look after yourself, wolf getting close to the door here also!

maxamillius

Ye I think you’re right, thankfully not to bad a bit achey but that’s all , hopefully it stays that way!

jay0109

I got a test booked after much trying late Tuesday night for yesterday morning. In Finlgas as it turned out.

Site kept crashing and even got a text with validation code at one stage when it crashed again. Kept trying and eventually got through the steps and put in the already received validation code which worked. Wife also got me a PCR test the next morning by going via my GP but cancelled that once she realised I'd already got one.

At the test centre (Thursday 30th Dec, 10am), there was about 20 cubicles but only about 4 of them had testers. There was no queue outside but there seemed to be a few people showing up who didn't have appointments as there was 2 queues there and I heard one woman say she was waiting to see if it was busy and could she be fitted in- she wasn't turned away but I don't know what happened after that

Roxxers

got one done in a private kip it was in a hotel and had to go to 2nd floor use lift etc , if i was a guest i would have a meltdown