Keep older sibling home too?

[MelrosePlace]

My 9-year-old son has a fever slightly above 39, a very runny and stuffed nose, and a headache, as well as a sore throat but that is fading. Typical presentation for a bad cold.

As of now I can’t get a Covid test anywhere. The school has asked for a test but I don’t know what they would do if he gets better and we still can’t get one.

My older child goes to different school and is completely fine, but I’m wondering if I need to keep him home as well. I’m not thrilled at that prospect. If we can’t even get a test this could go on for weeks. But I want to do the right thing of course. What is the right thing in this situation?

Thank you for any advice!

Yes he has a temperature above 37.8 which means that your whole family should be self isolating for 14 days now unless you can get him tested and it’s a negative result surely. That is the guidance we have in place.

That is what the guidelines say you should do. If one of you is symptomatic, the whole household is supposed to isolate.

Unfortunately, everyone else in the household must self-isolate if one person has a fever. Massive pain I know.

Thanks for the responses. I feared as much. I’ve kept them both home and I plan to spend the entire day clicking refresh to try to get a Covid test!

@badlydrawnbear the thing is I don’t know if he could be called symptomatic. This morning his temp is just below 38. He’s not coughing and his sense of smell and taste are fine. In any case I will keep clicking all day to try to get a test!

Of course he's symptomatic, he still has a fever! You know exactly what you should be doing, don't ignore it.