“Don’t guess, take a COVID test” – that’s the message from the Island’s director of public health as the lights go down on another fantastic Isle of Wight Festival weekend.
Regardless of whether you attended the event, Simon Bryant said it was important for us all to keep testing – even if we don’t have symptoms – to minimise the risks from COVID-19 and help keep the Island safe.
He said:
“Twice weekly rapid flow testing should already be a part of our lives, but regular testing is particularly important if you’ve attended a large event or crowded gathering such as the Isle of Wight Festival.
“Around one in three people with COVID-19 do not have any symptoms. If left undetected they will continue to spread the virus. Testing those without symptoms is a vital tool in the fight against the virus. Each positive case identified can help prevent many more infections.
“That’s why our message today — ‘Don’t guess, take a test’ — is so very important. While the majority of us are double jabbed, we cannot be sure that those people around us won’t become very unwell if they catch it.”
Lateral Flow Tests are easy to use and can give results in 30 minutes. If you receive a positive lateral flow test result, you and your household should self-isolate immediately. You should also arrange a confirmatory PCR test within 48 hours by booking online or via 119.
Mr Bryant added:
“As the festival draws to a close for another year, we can continue to enjoy all the Island has to offer by remaining considerate of others — keep testing, wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering and keep your distance where appropriate.”
But if the virus can be passed by people who are already vaccinated then what is the point of doing these dodgy tests at all? It won’t change anything will it? Time to stop this fear propaganda.
1 in 3 no symptoms – which means 22 million people in the country will be completely unaffected by covid at all.
The vast majority of the rest – barely more than mild flu like symptoms.
That leaves a small minority of people who will be affected worse than others. So this small minority are the ones who should be vaccinated, to reduce the likely hood of severe symptoms or death.
No one else actually needs any vaccination, as their own immune systems are capable of dealing with it – clearly as indicated by 1 in 3 no symptoms ever.
a lot of hype over something that doesn’t really affect most people.
As you rightly said, ” 1 in 3 NO symptoms” BUT….This doesn’t mean they don’t have it, or that they’re not carrying it & spreading it round to people who are vulnerable.
Testing is simple & takes 2 minutes to do & 30 mins for result.
It ain’t rocket science.
should also point out that there is no longer furlough schemes and the roll back of covid era support is underway.
This, in reality means that anyone who works, that isolates, may not be entitled to sick pay, as they have either already used it all up or do not qualify and as such will just ignore the testing requests and carry on working.
Those that are self employed – they are unlikely to be self isolating if they are symptomless, as who is going to put food on the table – you?
“a lot of hype over something that doesn’t really affect most people.” Tell that to the 160,000 families that have lost a loved one to covid. I thought we were past these idiotic arguments.
The reason 1 in 3 have no symptoms is BECAUSE THE VACCINE IS WORKING. How stupid can you be???
1 in 3 had no symptoms before the vaccines were even being rolled out fred – keep up will you.
your argument doesn’t stack up fred – the majority should be left alone to get on with their lives as normal, as this virus only really impacts a small minority – remember globally 99.98% survival rate – that is high and therefore no need to pander to the likes of you
It is a sad thing to say, but most of, if not more of the 160,000 would have died anyway, through old age or other natural causes. It is the cycle of life. Very sad but very true.
The whole thing is totally confusing. On one hand we were told there is a new virus that no humans have any immunity to and it is deadly, but oh on the other hand though, don’t worry because if you get it you may not even know as will have no symptons anyway. This did not make sense and still doesn’t.
Conspiracy theorists should not be posting here.. the virus is real and the vaccine does work. those who have not had it are just selfish and don’t care about anyone but themselves, and they are pushed onward by the likes of certain people here who spout a load of codswallop. The reason for the vaccine is it stops you from getting the serious symptoms, if everyone had the virus it would be so simple to control, but nah, there are always those who go against anything the experts say coz they know better.
You are the selfish one ,expecting someone to take a drug against their will ,just to make YOU feel better .shame on you .
Another selfish individual then Betty. I feel no shame, bring in “Jab or Job” for all, and “Jab for Benefits” too….
But some people can’t have the vaccine for health reasons, that’s not being selfish. The authorities can’t tell people if they have the vaccine they definitely won’t get blood clots or suffer any real harm from it, they just say yes some people die from having the vaccine but if you get the virus you might die anyway, so how can people make an informed choice about that when there may be history of people dying from blood clots in their family? It’s frightening & being frightened is not the same as being selfish. Some people don’t have the vaccine because they know they’re in the group that probably would have no effect from virus.
To follow on from my comment which I was unable to finish as notice came up saying too long, even tho I’ve seen longer comments here, but, the selfish ones are the people who won’t have the vaccine because they know they probly would have no effects from having the virus anyway if they are in the group, i. e. young, that would likely be unaffected by it. + as some have said, being vaccinated does not prevent passing it on, so why so much confusion and half truths? Not much makes sense about the information we get & then not allowed to discuss & air fears for fear of being silenced. How do those who can’t have jab protect themself?
If you can’t have the jab because of medical reasons, fair enough, it’s the disbelievers and those who just “don’t want it” because they have read this and that, and believe the conspiracies, they are the spreaders of lies.
the virus doesn’t avoid people because they have medical exemptions to the vaccine – so the entire argument about vaccinations for all, is flawed. If some are exempt, then not everyone needs it.