What good is a PCR test?

[13roman58]

Five new infections into the country yesterday, all must have presented a relevant PCR test before travel but fail when tested here.

[Keithcaley]

No medical test is 100% accurate - not one!

The PCR test is better than 75%, I believe, so pre-flight testing should filter out 75% of covid-19 infected travellers, provided that the disease has progressed sufficiently, and that the test is conducted efficiently.

The other 25% should be spotted by the additional repeat tests done here.

Masks do not give 100% protection, but if they cut down the risk of contagion by even a half, I'm wearing one!

The virus has not gone away, so we have to do what we can to mitigate the spread for the foreseeable future, while trying to earn a living and live as normal a life as possible.

Do not gather in crowds, keep your distance, don't hug or kiss, wear a mask, wash hands frequently, don't touch eyes, nose, mouth.

Above all, don't behave as though the virus has gone away - it hasn't, and don't think that you can live in a bubble - you can't.

Any system operated by human beings is fallible - remember that at all times...

[terry2366]

A pcr test is only as good as the person doing the testing . Now I'm not suggesting there are dodgy people doing them . Am I

[wanderer]

Start of the Premier League resumption all the players were tested and retested
Southampton goalkeeper tested clear and two days later positive no symptoms a fully fit 20 something straight to isolation
Just shows how this virus is not an obvious thing

[SunnyParkers]

A PCR test really only demonstrates infection status at the time of the actual test surely?

[sophie]

Slightly off topic but has anyone met anyone who has had a temperature after entering a Supermarket. I've a good reason for asking.