This whole situation is sad, it seems only the rich are getting tested and people have to pay. I am sharing this story not to brag, but to highlight a different experience and what we should all be getting
In Australia testing is free part of our Medicare, the main criteria to get tested is that you have to have been overseas in the last 14 days/been in close contact with someone with Covid-19 and are displaying flu/cold like symptoms. The government is also waiving the cost for testing for those who are not covered by Medicare.
I got back home on Wednesday, I had developed a cold as I usually do from long haul flights. On Thursday morning I called my doctor who managed to write a referral for me to get tested at a pathologist, within an hour of speaking to her. I couldn't get to the pathologist before they closed but I went to a public hospital which is 5 min from where we live. The testing centre is open from 8am to 10pm daily. I managed to get the test done within 30minutes. Still waiting for my results because where I live, it takes just over 72hrs to get results. One of my friends lives in another state and got her results within 24hrs.
It is the most painful test I have ever had to do. They stick a plus 4 inch swab down your throat and both nostrils. The nurse even gave me some tissue before I started because she said I would cry because of it.
I pray that this whole virus comes to a complete stop, soon.