DF with positive lateral flow test

[Biffsboys]

My Df had a positive lateral flow test today . I last seen her on Sunday . She thinks I should isolate but I think I should wait for PCR test ?

You need to isolate.

The official guidance i believe is that you should both isolate until the results of the PCR test, which if it was done within 48 hours of the lateral flow and is negative, overrides the lateral flow. You aren't however legally obliged to isolate at all unless you are officially contacted following a positive PCR test of a close contact.

Actually I just checked and they only say for an lft that your household should isolate - but obviously it would be for the best if you did anyway.

Has she done a PCR test yet? It needs to be done ASAP or you will have to isolate even if it's negative. In my health board it has to be done within 24 hours

You don’t have to isolate as a contact on the basis of a LFT. It would seem sensible to isolate or at least try to limit your interactions as far as possible in the interim though.

And as it was LFT, then there must not have been symptoms, so it's only 48 hours before, which means sunday is outside that timeline, so track and trace won't be contacting...

@Aquamarine1029

You need to isolate.

No you don't!

She needs to take a PCR, then track and trace will go through all the people shes seen 48 hours prior to symptoms and contact.

So if symptoms today, then you won't be contacted and won't need to isolate.

You will only need to isolate if she was experiencing symptoms prior to today. We have now had two cases in the office of people experiencing symptoms, not testing, then once we insisted they tested being positive. The T&T then goes back 48 hours from symptoms.

• or if no symptoms 48 hours from +ve PCR

I work for test and trace and we most definitely tell people they have to isolate as contacts of someone who has taken a lateral flow test. Some people do take them if they have symptoms as well.
If she did the test on Tuesday and you saw her on Sunday you would be considered a contact.
That's what we do at our health board anyway, as some people don't do a PCR test in enough time so we only have the lateral flow test to go by. Has she entered the lateral flow test results online? Has she been for a PCR yet?

Well I think you should be very careful, regardless of waiting for procedures. If the LF is positive, so will the PCR be positive. It isn’t a reason for you to wait IMO. Are you double jabbed?

Yes you need to isolate, you’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid!