So will it be safe to live near excel centre?

[8by8]

We have a friend who is at increased risk, and lives near excel centre - which is about to be a massive coronavirus hospital.

She’s been self isolating as much as possible for a few weeks - but she’s still going out for groceries, and gets Uber’s to her medical appointments.

We’re concerned that with all the medics and patients and patients families congregating at excel there will be more risk of her picking it up in the street/uber/supermarket.

She could possibly move in with us for the duration, but it would be tough all round so we’re just trying to get a sense of whether it’s necessary.

Anybody have any thoughts?

No more at risk from people who live near other hospitals now. Or going somewhere she other NHS workers go.

Whilst it going to be a huge site for corona, its not going to be the only place they are treated, is it?

What do you mean by increased risk and self isolating for a weeks?

I doubt the families will be allowed to visit anyway.

The staff and patients leaving and arriving will have been fully risk assessed to ensure safety for everyone and minimise risk of further transmission

Sorry I misread, she has been isolating for a few weeks. I read it as she is going to self isolated for a few weeks.

Can she ask her medical team?

She’s in the higher risk category (chronic illness) but not in the very high risk category that have been told they absolutely must stay home.

So she’s being very careful but does still go out.

I suppose it’s just the volume of medics/patients that are worrying us.

(She is a very close friend which is why we are getting involved!)

This is what they will call a hot site
Staff will not allowed to leave in the clothes they were treating patients in - they will be getting changed
No families will be visiting sadly

She should reach out for community support with deliveries and avoid going to the shops at all anyway surely if she is vulnerable. Can people help by leaving shopping on her doorstep

There is a local voluntary group - so far she’s been reluctant to ask for help, but I think it might be time.

That’s interesting about it being a hot site - so you think there’s no extra risk?

I can’t assure you there is no risk but they should not really be travelling home in the clothes they worked in. The guidance advises otherwise. And I hope they are provided with everything they need and are fed at work as well so they aren’t forced to go out to try to find food on breaks. No one wants those staff or the public put at risk

I think the staff will be sleeping on site from what I heard today, they are being brought into from around the UK.

I have a relative in a very similar situation living nearby. I think it is fine, so long as they are isolating. To be honest I would try and get something in place to avoid grocery trips, even if with local volunteers. Not really due to the hospital as I think staff, if they get time to eat, will probably eat on site.

Ok thanks all, this is reassuring! I will definitely encourage her to start using the local volunteers, she doesn’t want to be a burden but it seems like a lot of people are willing to help.