[FIRST REACTION 😰]
You will inadvertently panic for like 5 minutes. But that's about all you can afford before you need to do what is necessary. So, that night itself I bought a Covid-19 screening test and the next morning, I went for it.
[RATIONALE & PROCESS 🤔]
I chose to go to BP Glenmarie, Shah Alam because it was nearest to me and they advertised that I could get my results in 24 hours. There is apparently a drive-through option but I didn't see it when I was there and everyone was lining up instead so, "walk-in" it was. It costs RM 240 for the RT-PCR (recommended) test where they would take 2 swabs. One in and up your nose and the other down your throat. I paid for mine online the night before the test. They will email an e-receipt/payment voucher after payment which you need to show when you register. You can just use your phone and don't have to print. If you are employed and contribute to PERKESO/SOCSO, it's either free or subsidised so do check with your employers. You MUST present the letter from your employer though.
Maintain your distance even when you line up because there a lot of people there so you never know. I waited about 40 minutes before registering. I asked the lady at the registration when I could get my results and to my surprise/horror, she said 2-4 days. I thought it was within 24 hours but I think because of the surge and the sheer amount of people, they probably couldn't deliver what they advertised. Anyway, I asked if I could get it within 24 hours and it was an extra RM 30 if it's "urgent". I wanted my results ASAP so I paid the extra RM 30 at the registration line. If you're in no hurry, then you don't have to pay for it.
The next line was to wait for your turn to get the test done. Those lines looked long but were relatively short to wait. Prolly just 10 mins or less of waiting.
[THE TEST 🤒]
Now, this was probably the most uncomfortable test I've done. I've done an endoscopy before but I was anaesthetised so I don't know what was going on/in. But THIS. It wasn't exactly invasive or anything but it wasn't pleasant at all as well. They will put a long Q-tip up and in your nose. Real UP and in your nose. You WILL tear. Unless you have no feelings or a heart. And then they will take another swab from down your throat. The kind man asked me to "Ahhhh" but the moment I "Ahhhhh"-ed, I gagged. So yeah, uncomfortable and unpleasant would be the words I use. However, it only took less than a minute for the actual test. So no matter how uncomfortable, it was only for a very brief moment.
[THE RESULT 🤐]
The test result came back today and praise The Lord it's NEGATIVE.
I think the most difficult thing is not the result itself. Because obviously, it's been 11 or more days since my contact and I showed no symptoms. So even if I was asymptomatic and tested positive, by virtue of being young and relatively healthy, I'm confident I would've come out of it alive. The real test was the guilt playing up in your head IF you were to test positive. The amount of people you would've caused trouble to. Your family, the places you've been to, the other people you've met or been in the same space with. All these people would've had to go do the (uncomfortable + pretty expensive) test whether they like it or not. And the thought of maybe causing THEM to contract it because of ME. That weighed super heavily.
[IN CONCLUSION 🙏]
So yeah, I'm talking based on my experience at one specific place. All in all, they were good, quick, adhered all the SOP's and were very professional. My advice is to follow the SOP's set out and don't take this lightly. Stay indoors as much, wash your hands regularly, get tested if you need to and practice good hygiene. Stay safe everybody, God bless!
