Can OH go to work if I'm in the vunerable category?

[putthechocolatedown]

I received a letter from nhs yesterday telling me to stay in for three months. OH has been of work for nearly a week now. Surely him going to work will defeat the purpose of me staying in? Or does he still need to go. He works for a pharmaceutical company.

Bump

I'm afraid I'm in a similar situation - very high risk family member - and was told unpaid leave or you have to be at work. I've gone off sick with panic attacks because of it and am hoping my GP will give me a line for a while, which is something I never thought I would have to do as I'm the sort of person who only takes sick leave if I'm really really ill. But my mental health and more importantly my family's health is my priority right now. I am fortunate to get full sick pay for a while so I'm hoping my GP agrees.

Yes he can still go out but you should keep your distance, sleep separately, use own towels etc, own bathroom, clean handles and surfaces before use, wash your hands frequently...

This comes from texts from nhs for vulnerable category. I got a text although I’m not in that category.

He's just started the job so doesn't want to loose it but I don't know how we can stay away from each other. We have two DC's

You have to be very careful if you are high risk and he needs to work.

Lots of people are in the same boat OP.

You can do it.

This is from government guidance for what to do if you are ‘extremely vulnerable’ and living with someone else.

What should you do if you have someone else living with you?
While the rest of your household are not required to adopt these protective shielding measures for themselves, we would expect them to do what they can to support you in shielding and to stringently follow guidance on social distancing.

Minimise as much as possible the time other family members spend in shared spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and sitting areas, and keep shared spaces well ventilated.
Aim to keep 2 metres (3 steps) away from people you live with and encourage them to sleep in a different bed where possible. If you can, you should use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household. Make sure you use separate towels from the other people in your house, both for drying themselves after bathing or showering and for hand-hygiene purposes.
If you do share a toilet and bathroom with others, it is important that they are cleaned after use 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 first.
If you share a kitchen with others, avoid using it while they are present. If you can, you should take your meals back to your room to eat. If you have one, use a dishwasher to clean and dry the family’s used crockery and cutlery. If this is not possible, wash them using your usual washing up liquid and warm water and dry them thoroughly. If you are using your own utensils, remember to use a separate tea towel for drying these.
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.
If the rest of your household stringently follow advice on social distancing and minimise the risk of spreading the virus within the home by following the advice above, there is no need for them to also shield alongside you.