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Be warned, this is a lengthy process, at least it was for me!  Firstly I had to create an NHS account with password, which involved 3 different security code messages sent to my mobile.  Then various pieces of information had to be entered and suddenly I was asked for photo ID.  Didn't have any, so husband had to find his camera, take a snap, download it to his computer and send it in an email to my computer, where I filed it to add to the application.  After all that it was rejected (resolution too low), so I then had to take the alternative route, supplying 3 pieces of information which were only available from my GP's surgery (Passphrase, Organisation code & Account ID).  This meant a phone call to the surgery, where a helpful secretary found and supplied them to me.  They had to be sent to me in separate emails for security purposes.  Rushing back to my computer, I completed the form and pressed "Submit", only to be informed that my time had expired and I must start all over again.

I have at last received my pass and would pass on this tip for anyone else wanting to print out a Covid pass - choose the Download option, where both the vaccination dates are shown on one page, rather than printing off an email, which takes 2 pages.  They are only valid for a month, then you have to apply again at a later date.  Of course if you have a smartphone (mine's an old oyster model ) it can all be downloaded onto there.

We're off abroad shortly and are finding the red tape endless (bah, Brexit!)

Not very, is my answer.   Let me tell you why.

My daughter and I were about to set off on a long-planned journey to visit relatives 300 miles away in Cumbria.  Just as we were leaving the house she received a phone call from her boss to tell her that one of her work colleagues had tested positive for Covid-19.  She had already arranged to pick up her children from school early, so we had to collect them, but she took a lateral flow test before we left to do that.  It showed negative.  At her workplace they take lateral flow tests twice a week and she had been negative all the time.  We picked up the children and sat in the car debating what to do, then rang our Cumbrian relatives and cancelled the trip.  Early the following morning she took a PCR test which showed her to be positive.  The lateral flow test was still showing negative and has continued to do so for several days now since the PCR test. I also took a PCR test since I had been in close contact with her for a couple of hours.  Luckily it was negative, but I am now keeping out of everyone's way in Covid quarantine for 10 days.

She has now lost all faith in the lateral flow tests.  We are now wondering whether these large gatherings (football matches, Wimbledon, concerts, etc.) which require a negative test result from attendees are actually demanding PCR tests or just lateral flow tests.  If the latter, expect an increase in the number of infections recorded - oh, wait a minute, isn't that what is happening now.....?

Have you received your census form yet?  We haven't, but relatives in Wales received theirs today, one copy in English and one in Welsh, each over 30 pages long.  We're thinking that when we do receive it we will  complete and submit the form online but also fill in the hard copy to keep for ourselves.

I'm heartily sick of TV interviews with people whose masks don't cover their noses.  Even the PM's nose was clearly visible yesterday in an interview.  Why don't the cameramen tell them to cover up?  We all surely know by now that both mouth and nose should be covered. 

p.s. Ever tried putting on and taking off a mask when wearing a woolly hat which covers the ears?  It's a tricky business.