How long is it contagious? Want to combine households, advice please

[Zarara]

Hi my mum is a frontline nurse nhs worker in her 60s. She lives alone. The last week she has been suffering at home alone with suspected Covid. The ambulance have been out as she has been struggling to breath but apparently she is not sick enough for her to be taken to hospital.

She is now on day 7/8 of symptoms and whilst she is stable (still struggling to breath) she is still incredibly poorly. I have been visiting her house everyday along with a local friend (at different times) to look through her window to check she is still conscious. I am desperate for her to move in with us so we can look after her properly. Does anyone know how long covid is contagious for? I live in a household with children but my husband is also frontline so is coming and going so we are already somewhat vulnerable. I think because she is living alone then it would be ok for her to come here at some point, but just wondering when that may be. She hasn’t left her house and only the ambulance staff have been inside, Any advice? Also she cannot get tested and even if she could there would be no way she could drive to a test centre herself.

[Tonyaster]

I THINK the official guidance is 7 days from start of symptoms but I've read things that suggest it might be a month.

[Alb1]

It’s not known for sure how long it’s contagious for. But if she still has any symptoms other than a cough then she needs to continue self isolating at home alone sorry. I hope she feels better soon

[Zarara]

Ok thanks, I’m so desperate to be with her and look after her.

[WestWasnt]

I’m so sorry your Mum is unwell and on her own, that must be so hard for you all. Matt Hancock etc seemed to be back at work as soon as they didn’t have a fever etc.
I would have a very low threshold for ringing an ambulance again, don’t let your Mum feel she has to cope at home on her own. Better safe than sorry.
I hope she’s on the mend very soon!

[PanicOnTheStreets85]

To be honest, if you are fit and healthy and think you would survive it I would move in with her on your own until she's better. Follow the guidelines about keeping separate from her within the home as much as possible but then at least you could monitor her more easily. That would be lawful as caring visits are allowed under the guidelines. You would need to stay with her though until she has recovered and 7 days after onset of symptoms if you get it, or maybe 14 days after she recovers if you have no symptoms.

Alternatively, have Skype/FaceTime/Zoom on all day so you can keep an eye on her a bit like a baby monitor? Assuming she has a device that she can use it on.

[Lelophants]

Is there a chance you can move in with her and leave dh with kids? Hugs OP.

Or dh can isolate himself in your house?