Self isolating after "end of life" visit

[Blankiefan]

DH is visiting v. elderly DMIL who is in hospital with COVID. Doesnt look good (which is why he was invited). The doctors thinks she might hold out for another week or so but that she won't make it beyond. He's in full PPE. Will he have to self isolate now?

If he does, how do we manage that as a family? Do I not comfort him? Does he live apart from me and DD? how does that work over Xmas?

Or do we self isolate as a family? If so, do we keep DD off school (she's supposed to finish on Wednesday).

What about the funeral? Will he be able to attend if he's visited her within 10 days?

Or do we assume the PPE does the job? Or does he get a test at some point?

Any insights welcome.

He's in full ppe so no need to isolate.
I would encourage a full change of clothes and a shower when he returns and then you can comfort him. Im so sorry you're going through this.

@OydNeverDeclinesGin I’d ask the actual ward. I used to work on a covid ward and we asked people to isolate. Full Ppe is probably an apron and flimsy surgical mask. “Laypersons” often struggle to use them properly without contaminating themselves so unfortunately sometimes people are asked to self isolate.

Sounds like a terrible situation I’m so sorry. if you are asked to isolate then delay the funeral. The ward will be your best source of info.

He should ask the hospital for the right answer. I would have thought no due to wearing full PPE, but then he’s been in contact with DM who has covid. I would hope the hospital gives him information. Even if he doesn’t have to isolate, I would think twice about seeing anyone else over Christmas, just to be safe.

Sorry for your circumstances.

I am so sorry you are going through this, my DFIL passed away 2 weeks ago and we have the funeral on Xmas eve. I would isolate as a family if you can but under the circumstances you will need to comfort DH and my feelings were it that I would rather do that and risk it than not do it. We were extra cautious about cleaning and hand washing etc and did stay 2m if we could do but not 100% of the time

I’m sorry to read this. If full PPE is worn he should be ok. I work in healthcare and don’t need to isolate when we come in contact with positive people as there would be no staff left. As long as the PPE is appropriate and afterwards he removes it so he doesn’t contaminate himself he should be ok. Handwashinh/showering / wiping down car / steering wheel - basically everything he has touched.

If you are in England then even if you have tested positive for Covid you are allowed to go to a funeral.
(I have to be honest this makes me glad I live in Wales where this isn't allowed.)

Its an apron, mask and visor. He was in on Tuesday and told he didn't have to self isolate. Then in again today and told he is to self isolate. So we're not sure.

Am thinking we will isolate as a family; with him being extra cautious. We'll cancel xmas plans with my parents (in their 60s).

Do you think I should still send DD to school for the rest of term or keep her home?

Where I work, you wouldn't have to self isolate any more as long as full PPE is worn (we used to ask people to self isolate). I'm pretty sure your DD would be fine to go to school. I sometimes work on a covid ward and my children go to school, but we have decided not to meet family indoors over Christmas. Hopefully the PPE should work for visits.

Thank you all. Weve decided to err on the side of caution and go into a little "hibernation" and keep DD off school for the few days next week. We' feel terrible if she passed something onto another child who passed it to their grandparents.

DH will be able to visit DMIL every day - until either she's not with us any more or if she makes an unlikely turn for the better, I suppose. Tomorrow we're going to tell 7yo DD whats going on. She knows MIL is in hospital but not about the COVID or the prognosis. Its all a bit shit really...