What are the chances of catching COVID

[FourPlasticRings]

... when visiting a COVID positive ward for fifteen minutes to see a dying relative? I'm presuming none of the special masks that actually protect the wearer will be available.

Fairly high I should think?

Fairly low if, you stay at least 2m away from everyone, and touch absolutely nothing, not even sit on anything or allow your clothing or belongings to touch any surface. But would that ever be possible?

If this is in a hospital setting Ppe should be provided to you.

It is a hospital setting @frankie001. Are they all providing PPE for visitors? That would be really helpful- it's DH's dad but DH is worried about contracting it and passing it on to me as I'm pregnant.

As far as I know they provide full ppe for visitors in those circumstances. That's why its limited to one short visit for a v small no. people.

I visited my Dad in the Covid ICU before they turned off his ventilator.

They dressed me in the same PPE as the nurses - gown over my clothes, plastic apron, gloves, mask over my nose/mouth and a face shield.

The nurses helped take it off in a certain order as I left and showed me how to clean my hands/arms etc.

Unless I was either asymptomatic or have already had it, I didn't catch it!

Super helpful, thank you!

Sorry for your loss @FrangipaniBlue

Sorry you are in this situation. I don't have advice but and ask the nurses, they will know x

Could you maybe isolate from yr DH on his return? Difficult emotionally though as he'll soon be grieving and you're pregnant. Do you have DC already?

Yes talk to the HCPs about the risks.

They absolutely will give you PPE. If it's ITU - you'll get the full lot. If it's a ward it'll be scrubs, mask, gloves etc. You should shower before leaving the ward as well before putting your own clothes back on etc. Don't touch anything you can and don't stay too long and you're chances are very low.

Thank you @FourPlasticRings

Could you maybe isolate from yr DH on his return? Difficult emotionally though as he'll soon be grieving and you're pregnant. Do you have DC already?

We've thought about it, but we've got a soon to be two year old who really wouldn't understand why Daddy was staying away so it might be too tough to do for two weeks.

Thanks @Bluewavescrashing

@porktangle That's really helpful, thank you. I think it'll really put DH's mind at rest about going if all that is in place- I'll call the hospital and check about showers.

My partner works on a ward surrounded by it. No social distancing when helping a patient to the toilet.

If she thought she was going to die from her job she would quit.

Staff are surrounded by it every day.