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confused as to how the omicron specific isolation policy will be implemented without 100% sequencing of tests
The key thing is suspected vs. confirmed omicron.
When the initial PCR test goes to the lab it will be tested for an S-gene dropout. If there is an S-gene dropout, it's probably omicron, but as Chris Witty explained on the TV the other day not all S-gene dropouts are omicron - the test has to be sequenced to know for sure.
Therefore if your PCR test picks up an S-gene dropout, you'll be told that you are a suspected test. If your test is then sequenced (I think all suspected cases will be, at least for the moment, although not sure how sustainable this is given sequencing capacity) and if omicron is found you'll be a confirmed case.
The gov. guidance says:
All individuals who have been identified as a close contact of a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, irrespective of vaccination status and age, will continue to be required to self-isolate and asked to book a PCR test.
So suspected cases are treated like confirmed ones until confirmed otherwise.
Sorry to hear you've got it anyway. Not that surprised that your LFTs missed it - it took a week for me to test positive with a LFT and like you I'd been merrily going about my business presuming I was alright.
However, if you're anything like me, prepare for positive LFTs for a LONG time. I'm still producing positive LFTs and I first tested positive with one on 24 September!
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I'm still producing positive LFTs and I first tested positive with one on 24 September!
Woah! So you've had to isolate for all that time?
Is that a normal length of time?
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Isn't the issue that only a handful of labs can check for the dropout?
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Thanks for that. Got to assume mine wasn't suspected then as T&T told my partner she was free to not isolate. She's not been out much though and has since tested negative on PCR.
That's crazy, I didn't think of the results being delayed more than less sensitive overall.
mashton
Stonehedge
Polygon
Not worried at all, just confused as to how the omicron specific isolation policy will be implemented without 100% sequencing of tests. And absolutely, not counting my chickens just yet though, fully expecting it to knock me for 6 in the next few days.