Housemate won’t self isolate

[Marmitelover93]

My housemate has had a continuous cough for 2 days and she says she has no other symptoms (but these could be mild or she may be in denial). I messaged her to share the self isolation guidance and she got really offended and rude and said it’s just a cough and cold.

However, we live in a house of 3 other girls. One of the girls mother has cancer and she travels back to see her every weekend as well as just the plain fact we all don’t want to catch it.

She is still using the kitchen and bathroom etc . She woke me early this morning coughing but there’s only so much I can do.

I have said to her and that is all I feel I can do. I think I will approach the other housemates later today... but what do you suggest I can do to protect myself?

And is there any other way to report this to authorities because no doubt this is the case with many and this can cause a huge problem.......

How do you expect her to not use the kitchen or bathroom?

I think you need to isolate as a household.

Self isolation is not locking yourself in a room it’s not going outside and mixing with the public.

What is she supposed to do piss in a bottle and starve??

@Hwory self isolation is locking yourself in a room.

I live with other people, how do I self-isolate?
It is important that you separate yourself from other people in your home and if you share facilities like toilets and bathrooms, regular cleaning will be required.
You should stay in a well-ventilated room with a window that can be opened, separate from other people in your home.
In the advice sheett_, there are specific recommendations in the case that a separate bathroom is not available, if you live in shared accommodation, and if you share a kitchen with others, and these should be followed closely.

Use of shared spaces if you live with others
Minimise the time you spend in shared spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens and sitting rooms as much as possible and keep shared spaces well ventilated.

Aim to keep 2 metres (3 steps) away from people you live with and sleep in a different bed where possible. If you can, use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household. Make sure you use separate towels from other people in your house, both for drying yourself after bathing or showering and for hand-hygiene purposes. Ask your family or the people you live with to remember to use their own towels.

If you do share toilet and bathroom, it is important that you clean them after you have used them every time (for example, wiping surfaces you have come into contact with). Another tip is to consider drawing up a rota for bathing, with you using the facilities last, before thoroughly cleaning the bath, sink and toilet yourself.

If you share a kitchen with others, avoid using it while others are present. Take your meals back to your room to eat. If you have one, use a dishwasher to clean and dry your used crockery and cutlery. If this is not possible, wash them using your usual washing up liquid and warm water and dry them thoroughly, remembering to use a separate tea towel.

We understand that it will be difficult for some people to separate themselves from others at home. You should do your very best to follow this guidance and everyone in your household should regularly wash their hands, avoid touching their face and clean frequently touched surfaces.

@hopeishere

When I say locked in a room I mean locked in a room 14 days not coming out.

The guidance you’ve posted shows that bathrooms and kitchens can be shared (ie leaving the locked room)

Yes but the vast majority of time is in the room. It's not simply not leaving the house.

Of course she is still using the bathroom and kitchen, how else is she going to live?

If you want her to self isolate you would need to put a plan in place for a rota of when she can use the facilities inc cleaning afterwards or bring what she needs to her.

Have you actually created a plan for how this could work? Are you drawing up a rota between you all for who will get prepare and give her meals, snacks? Or agreeing slots three times a day she can use the kitchen?

Just telling a flat mate to self isolate and being annoyed they are still using the bathroom and kitchen is a bit pointless unless it’s all been carefully thought through.

No I obviously don’t expect her to not use the bathroom/kitchen. But she is sitting in the kitchen living room area for long sustained periods. And when working from home sets up at the kitchen table all day (I work in my room) but I just worry she’s not taking seriously. Surely as the sick person she should be doing what I am doing? But I feel it’s difficult to say that

To be honest, I think this ship has sailed. There is no point her isolating herself from the other flatmates now.

It would only have worked if right from the first second you thought she might be ill you all had supported her and worked out a plan to isolate her. Her now staying in her room is completely pointless. I know you want to blame her but I think this is on all of you.

Everyone is so keen for everyone else to do ‘the right thing’. But if you are in a flatshare everyone needs to team and take joint responsibility.