exposed to covid, what nshould I do now?

[buckeejit]

I'm not sure how concerned to be.

On Wednesday evening I stopped the car to talk to a neighbour, window down and neighbour possibly 1m away from me, definitely less than 2m - just used a tape measure & 2m-seems loads more than shop markers. I didn't think there was much risk as we'd both been home & careful etc through lockdown. I'm not sure how long we spoke for - probably less than 10 mins but potentially 5-20 minutes. Neighbour didn't cough or sneeze on me.

Neighbour has tested positive today for covid & messaged to let me know. I feel fine. Tired as been to climb little local mountain today but unsure if I should isolate for 2 weeks now or am ok as long as I have no symptoms and am careful.

Also, is there anything I can leave on neighbours doorstep that might help or be useful to them? All I can think of to do is bake them a loaf of bread

[DM1209]

Please self isolate. It is not worth the risk. I really hope your neighbour and you are both well in the long term.

[dobbyssoc]

I'd be self isolating if it were me.

[Tarararara]

Yes, self isolate. This will be a good test of the track and trace protocol - let us know if you are contacted!

[buckeejit]

Just found the nhs advice that self isolating is not necessary without symptoms - thanks. Will avoid my parents for a while and take extra care

[Jedstre]

Less than 2m for 15 mins-yes self isolate I’m afraid. I’m sure that’s not what you want to hear! You may well not ever get symptoms but still have covid and could spread to others. Hopefully you’ll be fine.

[dementedpixie]

most likely to get symptoms within 5 days. More likely to pass on if in close proximity for at least 15 minutes. Less likely to pass on outdoors too

[Danishpastrie]

Your neighbour needs to get tested and get on the test and trace system. They will then advise you to isolate.

[buckeejit]

Hmm, interesting to see this is the response. I can certainly easily avoid going to anywhere busy and stay from shops for the next couple of weeks and keep dc at home etc.

Dh is wfh but has taken this coming week off so we were planning to go somewhere for walks, (we're in NI & its not busy round us, where there's a lot of places that you can easily distance from others).

Nurse friend is due to come for garden cuppa tomorrow. She has worked in ICU a few shifts recently so will message her in the morning and ask advice

[whatswithtodaytoday]

You should isolate - that's the whole point of the track and trace system now in place.

[countchocula]

Hmm, interesting to see this is the response.

You'll never get a nuanced response on here. I'd follow the NHS / government guidelines for your country.

[dementedpixie]

Do you know when their symptoms started? This might be a useful link:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-contacts-of-people-with-possible-or-confirmed-coronavirus-covid-19-infection-who-do-not-live-with-the-person/guidance-for-contacts-of-people-with-possible-or-confirmed-coronavirus-covid-19-infection-who-do-not-live-with-the-person

[countchocula]

Your neighbour needs to get tested and get on the test and trace system. They will then advise you to isolate.

How do you suppose the neighbour received their positive coronavirus diagnoses without having a test?

[Playdonut]

I would follow nhs advice over internet randoms myself. I'm sure you wont have it, try not to stress xxx

[buckeejit]

Ok thanks all. Think I will keep a very close eye and stay home but if we're all well, will maybe do an early morning beach walk with dc towards end of week where we are highly unlikely to encounter anyone.

Fingers crossed. Can't actually believe its even a possibility after how careful we've been for so long. Took dc out of school a week before lockdown and everything!

[buckeejit]

Thanks @dementedpixie that link is useful. It's borderline 48 hours after us talking that their symptoms appeared

[Oblahdeeoblahdoe]

The link from @dementedpixie makes it clear you need to self isolate for 14 days.

[Smurf123]

I would self isolate and would cancel nurse friends visit... I don't think our track and trace system is the same here as it is in England so wouldn't think likely to get a text.. If you get a call from an unknown or withheld number thats likely to be them though. (I'm also ni)

[maddy68]

Book a home test for yourself. Go on the gov.uk site it's easy to do

[Mnthrowaway20202]

Either self isolate for 2 weeks or get a test and stop self isolating if you receive a negative result

I think it’s very selfish of you to continue to go out in public, don’t go on the walk ffs

[Whatelsecouldibecalled]

I thought now need a rest and isolate until results. Isn’t that the protocol?

[maddy68]

Definitely cancel your friend. Are you bonkers ? Three of my friends have died and two relatives. self isolate. For 14 days. If you develop any symptoms get a test. It only tests active virus so may be too soon to test positive

[Hagisonthehill]

If your friend got tested and it was positive and gave your name then you should have been contacted via the track and trace system who would tell you what to do.
She must have had symptoms byThursday/ Friday to book,get test,receive results by today.
Since you haven't had a call and don't live with her carry on as norm.

[Billi77]

You can get a test done at a drive through or at home here in London. Just ordered for my parents and is coming in 2 days. Not sure how it works there. I’d isolate until you get a negative test result

[buckeejit]

@maddy68 I'm so sorry for your loss.

I will call nurse friend in the morn and let her know what's happened. I won't get a test unless symptoms appear & will avoid the public.

I am quite happy in my garden and I have been at pains to minimise the risk to others from the outset even without any known risk.

It is however strange that the NHS advice seems to differ from the .gov website advice. They should work on that. I honestly don't think I would bother with a test that I had to do myself as I don't think I would do it properly. Nurse friend has told me how false negatives are common as people can't inflict the level of discomfort needed to do it properly themselves.

[NK346f2849X127d8bca260]

My teen DS caught Covid, nobody else in the house got it, he became ill in the early hours of the morning and had given me a big hug and kiss when he had got in that evening.

We obviously self isolated for 14 days.