Getting a covid test

Heresay. 

Given your previous pro UK and anti Spanish posting history I am inclined not to believe this. 

There's no doubt that UK compliance has improved since the TV cameras were allowed into the ICU's but we still see film of many many people not wearing masks.

Two or three weeks ago I had to take a neighbour to the Vega Baja hospital in order for him to have a COVID test, prior to having a small operation.   The testing place is in a completely separate part of the hospital, actually in part of the car park.   It is a type of cabin where the staff wait for you to arrive for a pre-booked appointment.   You wait in the car with windows closed until you actually reach the front of the queue and the first member of staff, who is in full PPE.   You can then wind down your window in order to converse with the person who checks their list of appointments and checks the SIP card (health card).   Another member of staff then does the test through the open window and once this has been done you drive away.   All over within minutes and quite safely.

Same at Denia Hospital, Marina Alta

Hello

At La Mata Clinic it isn;t possible to sit next to anyone or back to back. Some seats have stickers on so not in use,  only the non stickered seats can be used, very safe, * has been like this for several months!

Cheers

Elinspain

I had symptoms at the start of November and called my doctor, she asked what my symptoms were and told me I would have to go fo a test that day. I was given an appointment for 2pm and when I went down was directed to the rear of the medical centre where a testing area was set up. There were a large number of people there but all social distancing and wearing masks, a nurse called us forward one at a time and all individually tested behind the screens and then sent merrily on our way. I did test positive but luckily recovered quickly and after 14 days complete isolation with no further symptoms was passed fit to resume normal life.

There was no charge for the test and my partner was called in to be tested as well 7 days later but she tested negative and again no charge.

Glad to hear that you are ok but I thought all COVID tests had to be paid for, or is that just a way of fleecing those like me who have to fly home at the end of March?

I’ve not been near any of these testing stations either here or in the UK so it’s all new to me.  I understood though that travellers have to pay somewhere between 50 and 150€ for a PCR test three days before the flight.  Is this a different test maybe?

There’s enough anxiety about this whole business without adding more to it like this, ie wondering if you can get your results back in time before flying.

If you report to your doctor that you have symptoms he/she will arrange for you to have a test for which you do not pay.   However, if you require a test in order to travel somewhere then you have to pay.   At least that is my understanding of the system.

"Understanding" the system is the problem though.  I don't have a doctor here because I'm a home owner but non-resident so I have not registered anywhere.  I know that the Clinica here at La Siesta does tests (according to their website) but I haven't spoken to them yet.  Too early to arrange anything I think.

What I don't understand though is why there are different tests that you can get.  I've seen the drive in centres on the news where you don't get out of your car and I've seen people in hospitals/clinics getting them.  There seems to be a whole set of different tests though, and of course, potential returnees to the UK like me will, no doubt, have to pay through the nose (literally!) to be allowed to fly.  Sick of this whole business and, on reflection, not coming out here last October might have been a better option.  Ok, it's freezing in Harrogate, and there's been plenty of snow, but so what?  Normal winter!  This blue sky/sun blazing down business is not normal to me.