By the time Emma* started showing mild symptoms of COVID-19, she was presented with two options: request a Home Testing Kit or attend a drive-through testing facility. As Emma can’t drive, and social distancing meant getting a lift was impossible, she opted for the mail-order kit.
Emma made three attempts to access a Home Testing Kit. Each time she was told her identity couldn’t be verified and therefore she would not receive her test. Instead she was told to attend a drive-through testing centre.
“I thought I might have the virus so I tried to get a test,” Emma told openDemocracy.”In the process I learned in order to get a test you have to have a car you are capable of driving, or a credit check company needs to verify your identity.”
