Why tests are not necessary for the sniffs

There's a huge call for tests, because people want to know.

But do you know that when you have no symptoms the test is negative, and even a half hour later it can start to get positive when...only when you have corona.
So when you just have the sniffs you can keep testing, with the idea: 'Oh, it might become positive - maybe - ever.' The pharmaceutical industry will love you for it.

The tests are necessary when people deteriorate fast and need to be admitted to hospital.
In that case it's not only relevant for where you have to go: to a ward or to isolation.
But it also enables a decision for your treatment.
A non-corona pneumonia can be treated.
A corona pneumonia knows only symptomatical treatment, if at all, because intubation is the only way to deal with it.  The rest is experimental.

When you show symtoms like a strange persistent cough and fever, it's wise and requested to stay inside. Even when you notice the slightest cough and fever. Some countries add some more symptoms, but these are the main symtoms.
It doesn't matter if it's a cold, the flu or corona. For most people corona is mild, unless there are underlying diseases or you're above 80 years of age. People who are at risk can contact their GP and either get further instructions or are told to call back when they deteriorate.
In that case they are admitted to hospital.

There is in fact no difference between what we call home isolation or quarantine. You can stay at home, because chances are you already infected family members. That's why the UK instructs people to keep their family isolated at home too.
They say 7 days, other countries go completeley safe and say 14 days, and not sooner leave the house than 24 hours after the last symptom.

There is another reason why it doesn't matter if you have a cold, flu or corona. You have to stay away from high risk people in all cases, because even a minor flu can tip a high risk patient over the edge into the corona trap and cause serious troubles.

Calling for tests means less money goes to finding a vaccine or a cure.

So you see, testing is just for knowing, not for anything sensible unless you show severe illness and fever.

Don't burden the system more just for knowing.

People with symptoms going out for a test spread the virus!!!