Covid when do I go back to work?

[Thingsthatgo]

I tested this morning because I felt a bit off and I was supposed to be seeing my elderly mother. I don't feel unwell, but I am really cautious when I see her because she is pretty vulnerable.
Anyway, to my surprise it came back positive.
I take a crowded train to work, and have fairly close contact with a number of people every day who vary in age but many are pensioners.
I'm off today anyway. When would you go back to work?
If I hadn't tested I would be back tomorrow.

I don't think there are rules now - if you feel okay you can go to work. However, out of respect I might consider wearing a mask and/or social distancing where possible.

Thanks. I'll feel weird getting on a crowded train; it feels wrong! I am close to someone who was hospitalised for a long time with covid and it was really traumatic.
I know rationally that is just how it is now.

Apparently the norm is actually five days off max, after which it's just tough on everyone else if they get it.

I'm over two weeks in with it. I'm immuno compromised and it has hit very hard, giving me breathing and heart issues which I'm praying sort themselves. I can't wear a mask currently, I'm not doing well on the oxygen front as it is.

It's boiling down to it's on me for being this affected as other people have it without getting this ill.

@Uniworries sorry to hear that it's hit you so hard. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Does your employer have any policies regarding being off with covid? You could wear a mask when travelling

With a positive test its advised to stay away from other people for 5 days, if you can, and to wear a mask if you need to go out to places where other people are.

If you work for a large employer, it may well have a specific policy on what employees should do if they have Covid, but are well enough to work. Assume working from home is not a viable option for you? If you have no option but to catch a busy train, I would say wearing a mask is morally the right thing to do.

It's a very small employer with very few policies! I stay away for as long as I want to, but I am keen to get back because I love my job and we are very busy at the moment.

I had it before Christmas and had to look up the current guidelines, which are that if you feel well, then you can go back to work five days after a positive test, even if you still test positive. If you continue to feel unwell, then the advice is to wait until you get a negative test.

From research from Imperial College:

"After five days of isolation, people can complete lateral flow tests on days six and seven.

If these tests are negative, we think it is safe to leave isolation on day seven.

If a person continues to test positive on day six or beyond, we think they should remain in isolation until they’ve had two consecutive days with negative test results. Or, they can leave isolation on the 10th day after their symptoms began. Based on the evidence available, we think it’s unlikely for people to still be infectious on day 10."

The government guidelines now are designed to protect the economy, not people. I know it's really tough when so many people are saying it's how it is and just a flu, and I know not all employers are supportive, but please do not let that pressure you into getting on a crowded train or going to work with pensioners when it feels wrong.

I hope you continue not to have any symptoms, and remember to try and take it easy while you get it out of your system.