Don't worry, we have no concerns, and we are in any case not going further than the bins at the end of our access track. We can get everything we need delivered (except petrol for generators... but that is another story).

Just interesting though...

Now, when was it they are planning to introduce the £25 per box charge?

Very interesting article on the current farce here, if you have half an hour to spare, some scientific understanding, and an open mind.

Tried to get some today because am going to visit older (fully jabbed) friend 200-odd miles away so will involve stopping off at services and wanted to be able to check when I got back that I hadn't picked up anything before visiting severely immunocompromised (as in, blood test after both jabs showed ZERO antibodies) friend. Got a code off the website but local pharmacy politely laughed at me and said "all gone". And then hear Govt SpokesIdiot on Radio 4 saying "loads available at your local pharmacy or other source".

None today either Sue.

Like you, we always test before seeing people and after 'risky situations'. I suspect that all the people who've never used them before (the superspreaders!) suddenly think that it's a good idea. Probably so that they can carry on partying as normal.

I'm glad that I have a small supply (not ordered recently, I have not contributed to this shortage!).

I'd avoid services on your travels if you possibly can.

oh dear, thanks for the heads up - I'd been thinking of getting some more in stock with Christmas coming up

For anyone needing LFTs, there are more supplies available for home delivery on the website now...

UPDATE: but only for certain areas. NE is currently fine, E is not.

I'd already got some, which was just as well as I was asked to test before going to this morning's lecture. I don't do it often because i'm so rarely anywhere I might catch it. But Eloise's daughter was astonished to test positive the other day, because she has no symptoms. The rest of the family is fine but they're isolating because they don't want to risk ruining any friend's Christmas plans.
afternoon and was able to get it for 8.50 tomorrow morning. We were very surprised.

LFT on website an hour ago. Well for North west they were.

So - drove 4.5 hours without stopping from Cornwall to Bucks. Before leaving, checked local pharmacy for LFT - oh, what a surprise - out of stock. Drove 4.5 hours back without stopping again. My back is not a happy camper. Visit to relative next week also now in doubt because of lack of tests.

Btw, does anyone know how long after infection it takes to get a positive result on the rapid tests? A few days? And are you infectious before showing positive on a rapid test?

Sue yes you can be infectious before testing positive.

Debster - thanks! So no visiting relative for me then as not enough time to allow for potentially positive test before visiting mate with no antibodies. Bugger.

Sue - a PCR test will detect a lower viral load. I think the reason so many PCR tests are being taken is because people are using them when they can't get LFTs. Just say you have a sore throat...

I don't know why I think this (there's a dearth of info on the subject) but if you've been in a risky situation and still test negative after 4 or 5 days you're probably safe. I suppose that it might vary depending on the variant too.

"If in doubt, don't!" has kept us safe for 21 months now...

More info: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/13/can-you-trust-a-negative-lateral-flow-covid-test

BW, thanks. Unfortunately the relly visit was going to be on 23rd and mate with no antibodies on 25th, so not enough time between. Have informed relly it will post-C-word.