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Original poster

Test/isolate or not?

8 replies

Maladicta · 30/08/2020 17:01

I've tried to see if there's specific guidance on this, but can't turn up anything on what to do about a potential tangential contact.

We had a socially distanced bbq with another family yesterday. They've called me today to say that their dd came into contact with someone the previous weekend who has now tested positive. The dd is showing no signs but obviously needs to self-isolate although according to the guidance, the rest of the family don't need to.

They're having tests today, do we wait until the results of their tests to decide what to do or do we self-isolate or get tested ourselves now?

The timing is abysmal - dh is currently in the air flying to Germany for 3 weeks for work, I'm due back at school on Tuesday, ds 2 starts a new sixth form... amongst many other things.

So do we put our lives on hold or get on with things, following social distancing as we do anyway?

OP posts:
StatisticalSense · 30/08/2020 17:10

You definitely don't need to get tests as they'd be of fuck all use at this point (as the virus cannot be detected for several days after infection). You also don't need to self isolate at this point although it would be wise to think about obtaining the things that you would want if you were to be in isolation as there is a reasonable chance that you will be isolating within the next few days.

StatisticalSense · 30/08/2020 17:11

Would also make sense to avoid contact with anyone you know to be vulnerable for the next couple of weeks, if at all possible, whatever the outcome of any tests taken (which may well be false negatives on the basis that they are being taken at the wrong time).

Augustbreeze · 30/08/2020 17:13

Government website says this:

"Important
Only get a test if you have coronavirus symptoms or have been asked to get tested.
This will help make sure people who need a test can get one."

And this:

"When to self-isolate

Self-isolate immediately if:

•	you have any <a class="break-all" href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">symptoms of coronavirus</a>s_ (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)

•	you've tested positive for coronavirus – this means you have coronavirus

•	you live with someone who has symptoms or has tested positive

•	someone in your support bubble has symptoms or has tested positive

•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/nhs-test-and-trace-if-youve-been-in-contact-with-a-person-who-has-coronavirus/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">you're told by NHS Test and Trace that you've been in contact with a person with coronavirus</a>s_ "
LangClegsInSpace · 30/08/2020 17:13

You are a contact-of-a-contact so you don't need to isolate.

If any of their tests come back positive you are then a contact so you will need to isolate.

You should not get a test unless you develop symptoms.

Even if all their tests come back negative, their DD should continue to isolate for the rest of the 14 day period from when she had contact with the confirmed case. 14 days is the incubation period - that's how long it can take to develop symptoms or test positive. She could test negative today and positive tomorrow.

Original poster
Maladicta · 30/08/2020 17:23

Thanks @StatisticalSense, that's what I suspected - dd has just gone off the deep end at me because I've not put us all in self-isolation...

OP posts:
Bumble84 · 30/08/2020 17:29

The advice you’ve had on here is correct. The family you’ve had contact with shouldn’t be going out to get tests though. Everyone should only be getting tested if they display symptoms. Unfortunately people seem to rush out to get a test when they hear they have had any contact with a positive case regardless of the timescales involved. Contacts do not become my infectious or symptomatic immediately after contact so the families tests are pointless at best and at worst clogging up the testing capacity of the system.

LilyPond2 · 30/08/2020 17:41

When you say that your barbecue was "socially distanced", do you mean that everyone remained outdoors and at least 2 metres from all members of the other family at all times? If so, I'm not sure whether you will even count as contacts for Test and Trace purposes. But if you know that actually the barbecue wasn't as socially distanced as that then from an ethical standpoint I think you should do everything you can to avoid contact with anyone else, at least until the other family get their test results back. If they are still awaiting test results at the point when you are due into work, I think you should contact someone in senior management at your school in advance, explain the situation and ask if they want you to go in. If they do want you in, I think you should suggest that you wear a mask even if that wouldn't normally be required. Even if your friends test negative, ask them to keep you informed if they subsequently develop symptoms, as the tests have quite a high false negative rate.

Original poster
Maladicta · 30/08/2020 17:55

@Lilypond2 We did properly distance at least - I'm asthmatic and wary! I've already messaged my HT, wearing a mask in school is not an option as it would cause too much anxiety and communication problems in the particular children I work with. It's a wait and see I guess

OP posts:
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