There can be false results and also fragments of the virus can be left in the person from months ago to test positive. Tests won’t say when infected.

I’ve lost track of Covid antibody test and if we’re doing it but I think some are getting one. Could be wrong and I’m more looking at cases that mean little with low hospitalisations and deaths.

Your son could’ve caught it off him and not know for 5-7 days I think. Because the virus is becoming so weak and vulnerable people are still shielding, especially older people, the worry isn’t there. The cases (not illnesses) wouldn’t be there either but they’re testing the s*** out of everyone and finding loads asymptomatic people testing positive.

I guess your concern is if you yourself get quarantined (your responsibility or prerogative in reality) Other than that I wouldn’t worry about it if his wages are covered. Many self employed just wouldn’t bother unless they feel ill. But you can always social distance or isolate if feeling responsible if a vulnerable person catches it. If I was vulnerable I wouldn’t put myself in danger but that’s the argument of the year.

Edited by Rudi Hedman (26 Aug 2020 11.29pm)

COYP

Many people are asymptomatic. He'd still be able to pass it on so that is something to consider with regard to who he is around over the next couple of weeks. Asymptomatic individuals are more likely to test negative even if they aren't. In symptomatic individuals, symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure - 5 days is the average. People can become infectious around to 2 days before symptoms begin. I assume he's taking a test to check for active infection rather than antibodies. The latter would not be as well suited.

This is the best information I could find: [Link] The suggestion being that for those who are exposed and eventually test positive, the false negative rate can be high even days after a result (as high as 67% on day 4), but that depends largely on the specific test used.

I have no idea of what company's test your son would be using but 'assuming' that they've got better over time and that "MIT Medical is using a test that has been shown to have a false-negative rate of less than 5 percent five days post exposure", I would be inclined to think that if the test is reliable and sensitive it would at least be encouraging to get a negative result. Not conclusive though since it's only been 3-4 days since he's been in that environment. Regardless of result, he should keep a low profile for a week or so longer I'd say.

The tests have a lot of shortcomings really. Better than nothing, but unable to give a complete picture in certain circumstances. The real game changer would be the Israeli breathe test with instant results. So far a few false positives but no false negatives: [Link] If they can find tune it a bit more and roll it out it would be a tremendous advancement.

In your shoes I'd ask for the specific name and manufacturer of the test and do a bit of research on it. Best of luck and good health to your son.

Edited by BlueJay (27 Aug 2020 3.51am)

Please don't take the vaccine or let any of yuor loved ones and friends take it.

Big up the Palace!!!!

My wife has had the test, and she says they don't advertise the procedure because it is like having a long drill put up your nose and into your brain.

The test process isn't perfect, because our knowledge of CV-19 is in its infancy. However, it's all we've got.

Early stages of infection can give no symptoms and still give a negative result.

My wife gets tested again this coming Sunday, and that's a 60 mile drive to Brighton, as our nearest testing centre. And you can't just turn up. The tests have to be pre-booked.

Best of luck with everyones tests

I disengage, I turn the page.

Same at Selhurst. If Palace ever score more than 5 in a game the world will be destroyed. This carries a very low threat level.

I believe this is not far from one of the theories going around on the interweb

Systematically dragged down by the lawmakers