Do we go back to work/school/nursery with a cough?

[questionssquestions]

We have a cold, with a cough. Self isolated and got a test, as per government advice. Test came back negative. But the information on what to do next is conflicting.

www.gov.uk/coronavirus "If you have coronavirus symptoms ... Do not leave home for at least 10 days after your test."

The text I got with my negative covid result: "If you're not a contact you may return to work if you've not had a fever for 48 hours and feel well. Talk to your employer first. ... If this result is for a child or staff member at school or nursery, tell the school or nursery."

For the record, work, school and nursery are all fine with us coming back as long as we've had a test.

So which is it, stay home for 10 days, or go back to work? Looking more for a link to official guidance rather than people's opinions on what the guidance should be.

Meant to attach screenshots, for complete clarity ...

Does this help?

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/how-long-to-self-isolate/

You should self-isolate for at least 10 days if:

• you have symptoms of coronavirus and you tested positive, had an unclear result or did not have a test
• you tested positive but have not had symptoms

From your links;

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.

Have you had contact with anyone who has been confirmed to have covid? That's relevant to whether you must isolate or not if you are all now better.

No contact with anyone who has tested positive. We still have a cough, but it sounds like we are clear to go back, given what everyone has said above. Stupid unclear government website

Some people don't register their tests, perhaps the 10 days is to cover them.