Yesterday, I registered for a test. This was for a lateral flow swab test. I have no symptoms.
I registered online (via the council) and was allocated a slot for today (Sunday). On arrival at the test centre there was quite a long, socially-distanced queue outside. The army were advising people in the queue about registering your personal test identification barcode. Help was available from army personnel to do this.
Once inside the building, after sanitising hands, we waited in another queue going through the building. The queue moved slowly but regularly until reaching the cubicles for testing.
Army personnel managed the whole process and offered advice or help at every stage. In the cubicle you’re advised to blow your nose first. The test - performed by yourself - involved swabbing around the tonsils, and with the same swab, swabbing inside the nose. The swab was handed to army personnel behind a protective screen. I think they were testing samples on the spot.
After leaving, I awaited the result. It came through within one hour via mobile phone text.
Thankfully negative.
The process is straightforward. The army managed it admirably and were very, very helpful. A little waiting around beforehand. So be prepared, despite having an allocated time slot.
Viv.