Should I collect him from work?

[Frontlineson]

my son is a front line worker, he has to get a bus to work. The car journey for me to pick him up is around 10 mins as no traffic, the bust journey probably 30 mins.

I'm working from home, should I pick him up and drop him in.

He's facing some really really though shit at the moment and is finding his job harrowing, he is in awe of the nurses where he is and is desperate to not get ill or infect anyone else.

I feel picking him up, may infect me, his father and brother, but we are healthy so hopefully we will be ok.

Please don't attack, I'm truly trying to limit who he comes in touch with, because I'm sure there will be non essential staff on the bus.

@PeterPanGoesWrong thank you, but really no need for the FFS, I've a VERY frontline working son and I'm worried, confused by guidelines and not sure what's best. I asked and got a really helpful idea from @QuestionableMouse so I'm glad I did.

No need to talk to me like I'm stupid, because I'm not,

@HopeYouStepOnALego yes I'll take spare clothes, he is meticulous about hand washing etc.

I hope you’re all ok. Worrying and confusing times xxx

Be kind people ( or keep quiet)

If he takes a change of clothes to work, sits in the back and you don't get out of your car I think this is less risky than public transport and then coming back into your home

Yes if he lives with you then there's no further risk of infection just by sitting in the car with him. You presumably use the same toilet seat, touch the same door handles as him etc - can he take a spare outfit that he can change into directly before getting in the car? And goes without saying he has a thorough hand wash before getting in the car.

@purplemonkeyinabubblegumtree we are lucky enough to have two bathrooms, he is using one, the rest of us the other. It may help.

Thank you, to your son and his colleagues.

I'd 100% collect him and take him.

I would collect him but can he shower and change after work on the premises - this would greatly help. Another alternative - would he cycle? If its a 10 min drive its a 20 to 30 min cycle - traffic is low etc also keeps him healthy with some exercise

@RB68 I'm not sure he could shower, but the cycling thing is a good idea. I'm sure if I appeal on my local FB group someone would lend him a bike?

Thank you @Kelsoooo I'm immensely proud and dreadfully frightened for my son in equal measures.

Yes!

@frontlineson I would definitely lend my bike in that situation.

But realistically he's going to be exhausted. A half an hour bike ride twice a day? I'd avoid if possible

@Kelsoooo again I hadn't thought of that, he is exhausted and I'm trying to do as much as possible for him currently.

It is good to talk about these things (although MN can be harsh at times) because others think of things that I don't.

Does he wear scrubs ?
If so he can change and wash his hands , put on his civvy clothes and meet you in the car park.

NHS workers who wear tunics etc (I wear black trousers/white tunic) will have their PPE but unless we are going out on visits , these shouldn't be worn to/from work anyway .

The number of Uniformed NHS staff I have seen in photos (and IRL) at supermarket NHS Hour shopping has left me horrified .
If someone is going to the supermarket before or after work, the uniorm should be put on or removed at work.

I'm in the pick him up too camp. But take all your precautions .

This is the problem with screaming ‘JUST STAY HOME!’ at people. It’s making people think they can’t pick up members of their own family, and instead forcing them to take public transport, which is literally increasing the risks!

If you live in close confines with an NHS worker it’s much better to pick them up than make them get public transport.

Of course you should pick him. The alternative is public transport and he lives with you anyway so he could be bringing people’s germa from the public transport into your home.

Makes much more sense to collect him.

Given you live with him so will be exposed anyway then yes, especially since the alternative is public transport

Please don't judge the OP this is a site to ask questions and get other people's opinions. This is one the more sensible questions on here and it's nice to know there are people out there actually following the rules the best they can.

Yes OP do pick your son up to protect those needing to use public transport - and thank him for his work at a very stressful time.

He is home, showered, clothes washed, fed and exhausted!

I'm starting a new thread about a FB post could you all search it, I'm very upset 😔

DS works as a HCP and normally uses the bus as no parking near work. He lives at home. DH or I will take/collect him from work. We've all given it a lot of thought.