PPE & 7 day self-isolate public guidance

[AyeRobot]

I posted this on another thread but I think it might get lost.

There's something I don't understand about PPE and I'm sure it's because I'm missing something. And I must say that if I were front line ICU staff I would be much happier with full on PPE, so I totally get the demand. But...

Guidelines say that we all have to self isolate for 7 days after symptoms start. Hospitalisation due to Covid usually happens after day 10 (or later). So, how are the general public allowed out after 7 days but ICU staff treating patients who are more than 7 days on need full on PPE such that we now have a major crisis of supply?

Because it's 7 days, and more if your symptoms continue?

My understanding was that the self isolation only ends if your symptoms have resolved, apart from a cough which can take much longer to go.

Doh!

From the NHS website :

"if you still have a high temperature, keep self-isolating until your temperature returns to normal

You do not need to self-isolate if you just have a cough after 7 days. A cough can last for several weeks after the infection has gone."

Thing is, I know 2 people who went out after the 7 days because they felt up to it neither having a cough anyway (and didn't have a thermometer in the house - do many people without kids have one?!) and both ended up in hospital a week later. One died.

It just seems a bit wishy washy advice if one is still so infectious after 7 day's such that extensive PPE is required?

I do think people have taken the message as "7 days with symptoms, 14 days if someone you've been in contact with has symptoms".

Hmm. I listen to the radio a lot & there was definitely not a big fat 7 DAYS UNLESS YOU STILL HAVE A TEMPERATURE.

(and I meant days - I hate it when autocorrect is really shit at grammar)