WWYD/what were we supposed to do in this situation

[Napqueen1234]

So 10 days ago we all had a cold. Seemed like a regular cold- stuffy noses, sore throat, sneezing. DS (7mo) had constantly streaming nose, DD (3yo) developed a cough. Because of this we all isolated and got tested (all negative) then continued with life.

10 days later DS still snotty, DD and DH completely fine. I’ve still had on and off cold symptoms the whole time and now have developed a cough. DD had already gone to nursery today so me and DH weren’t sure what to do. Do I need another test? Should we pick her up and isolate again? I booked a test and within half an hour have had the swab and hopefully will get the results soon. Should we pick DD up early? Do we all need to self isolate until I get the results? It’s not really a new episode it feels more like the back end of the other cold. Should I even have got tested again? I want to do the right thing but also don’t want to be OTT as well aware we will be in this situation a loT over winter with two small kids. Thanks

It depends on where you are and whether you isolated for the full recommended time, regardless of the test outcome.

For example - if in Scotland, the person with symptoms first isolates for 10 days and the rest of the household for 14 days, irrespective of test results.

We just followed the guidance online:

Negative test result

A negative result means the test did not find coronavirus.

You do not need to self-isolate if your test is negative, as long as:

everyone you live with who has symptoms tests negative
everyone in your support bubble who has symptoms tests negative
you were not told to self-isolate for 14 days by NHS Test and Trace – if you were, see what to do if you've been told you've been in contact with someone who has coronavirus
you feel well – if you feel unwell, stay at home until you’re feeling better

In a similar position with ds who almost certainly doesn’t have it.
In your shoes I would just carry on, I think you were right to get a test Just in case but fingers crossed for a negative tomorrow