Well, that's a relief.

In hindsight, this would have made a brilliant video, but I didn't think of that until far too late, so: here is a THREAD about getting tested for coronavirus in the UK.

I got a slight cough on Monday evening; it was worse on Tuesday morning. So I started self-isolating and ordered a free NHS home test, as I can't get to a test centre without using public transport. Standard http://gov.uk  interface design, quick and easy, no worries.

The test arrived the next day, sent by Amazon Logistics. The tracking page shows "NHS Logistics provided by Amazon", and it arrived in a standard Amazon box with a standard Amazon label. This makes sense given Amazon's next-day delivery infrastructure, but still felt a bit odd.

I forgot to take a photo of the test kit; I was preoccupied with making sure I did everything correctly. There was a booklet of instructions, and the NHS emails linked to this overly-reassuring YouTube video, so you can see what you have to do there:

Also, to register the test online, you can either type in a load of details or just scan the barcode with your device's camera! It's all done in-browser using a barcode scanner written in JavaScript! It's a really good bit of design work by the http://gov.uk  team.

Right. The test. To answer the big question: yes, you have to push the swab all the way to the back of your nose. Way further than you think is possible unless you know how to do the human blockhead nail-in-the-nose trick

(Which, uh, I do. Sorta had an advantage there.)

But honestly, it's not bad. If you're squeamish, it won't be pleasant, but then neither is taking an at-home blood sample, or any one of a hundred other medical things. You'll get through it. And, bonus, you'll learn how deep your nose actually goes. (Spoiler: deep.)

Anyway, I sealed up the completed test, washed my hands, applied the tracking labels, wiped down the box, put on a mask, and posted the test kit back in the nearby designated Priority Postbox.

And this morning, less than 48 hours later, negative result via text message and email. A+, would do again if necessary. I don't want this to sound like propaganda, the UK government's response to COVID has been questionable at best and negligent at worst, but: testing now works.

If you've get symptoms, self-isolate and get a test quickly. Don't wait; it's less effective if you do. It's easy and it could save lives.

And if you don't have symptoms: wear a mask, wash your hands. Good luck, everyone.