Why is the government advice so contradictory and confusing?

[Zacharyezrarawlings]

So, initially if you had been in contact with a CONFIRMED case then you had to isolate for 14 days. Now they are not testing in the community and anyone with a new continuous cough or temp has to isolate for 7 days. It is likely that some of those people will have COVID. BUT now others in contact with them dont have to isolate and the person that is unwell only has to isolate for 7 days, not 14. So that seems likely to increase spread, not decrease it surely?!?
Also, currently at work we have a member of staff who was in contact with a confirmed case and she and her family are about to enter their second week of isolation as per government advice at the time. However this week if that initial person thought they had CV19 they wouldnt even be tested and no one who had contact with them would be isolating.
It all seems very contradictory and confusing. It is no wonder that people keep asking what they should do in certain situations and not following advice cause none of it makes any sense!

Things change with things like this. The most up to date and relevent advice is easy to find. Are you suggesting it would be easier if they just stuck with their original advice for the next however many months even if it's not the best course of action anymore?

I’ve been searching for what to do, but the NHS website doesn’t state any current guidelines for those who have had contact, but have no symptoms. Not that I can see anyway! Appreciate it will be changing.

@Zacharyezrarawlings it's because the models will churn out different results depending on what exact questions you ask. Remember there is more than one scientific discipline involved.

You are right that the government's communication is terrible. They need to do a daily press briefing every mid-morning explaining their strategy and any changes in it from the day before.

@jupiteroo this any help? - phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/

As I said, I'm a doctor working in the NHS so you can be assured I'm reading all the latest info, we are getting it emailed to us several times a day at work! And I really don't think discussing the government's guidance on a forum is "spreading confusion" or "really dangerous" we're all adults and allowed to have an opinion of what is happening, even if it is a different opinion to you.

You're not just 'discussing the advice' though, you've started a thread titled 'why is government advice so contradictory and confusing?' If you really are a Dr and you're confused about information you're receiving, you need to clarify any discrepancies with the clinical leads within your Trust. Declaring yourself a Dr and starting a thread on mumsnet, a forum full of vulnerable people in the grips of anxiety and panic, is morally questionable to say the least.

@LittleLittleLittle yes I think so - thanks very much.

@jupiteroo the same advice is also on the main .gov website. www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-people-with-confirmed-or-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

I saw a doctor on tv saying persistent cough means lasting more than half a day.

Yes the point about the fact we have moved from contain to delay phase is a good one.

You’ve only just realised that here, after it was pointed out to you?
What kind of doctor are you?