Bit worried about this but don’t know if I’m being over cautious

[Superpanicky]

My dad is in hospital with Covid, Was admitted yesterday and hopefully he’ll be out in the next few days. He lives alone and has been unwell for weeks so things have got into a state at his home. He’s asked me If I wouldn’t mind going round and cleaning the bathroom throwing stuff out of the fridge, emptying bins etc. Absolutely not a problem and something I am happy to do for my father, my worry is that I want to avoid exposing myself to Covid, I’ve had pneumonia in the past And everything goes to my chest since and also I have another medical condition that raises my risk slightly. I am a worrier, but I’ve read that coronavirus can survive on surfaces for as long as 5 days, particularly porcelain for instance and I will be cleaning the loo and basins etc. I don’t want to let my dad down, but I am worried about catching it. I don’t know if I’m being over the top though.

Those tests were in lab conditions, it's thought that elsewhere it doesn't survive nearly as long. So open the windows, wear gloves, mask, change of clothes, and there should be very little risk. Especially if you've left at least 48 hours since he was in the flat.

I understand your worry, but covid doesn't live very long on surfaces.

Wear gloves, and spray with lots of cleaning stuff ... that'll kill it

I would be similar to you definitely wanting to help but wouldn’t want to catch anything or even the possibility of catching something so no I don’t think you’re being over cautious. Wear a mask at least 3ply, and gloves. Tie your hair up if long. Do everything you need to do and then remove your protection as soon as you leave. Wash hands with sanitizer. Go home, remove your clothes and hot wash them and shower yourself.

I think it's sensible to be very aware of not touching your face after touching any surfaces in the house until you have thoroughly washed your hands.

I think it is also worth leaving it as long as you can before going round to allow more time for the virus to die.

Thank you for your replies. Glad to know I’m not being a total wuss. Some good tips, will take change of clothes, mask and gloves and maybe put a shower cap over my clothes etc. I have a spray from the pound shop that says it’s effective against coronavirus so hopefully that’s true.

Over my hair, not over my clothes!

And keep those windows open!

My son had Covid. I cleaned his room wearing gloves, face mask.

As long as we weren't sharing the same enclosed air space together, I felt fairly confident (didn't catch it).

Even on surfaces,covid only survives about 72 hours. So wait a day or two, wear disposable gloves and there's nothing to worry about.

Dettol spray/wipes is the one to get.

Open all windows and doors as soon as you get there, ventilation is the key, wear face mask & visor if you have one (apart from anything else, stops you touching your face!), stack of disposable gloves, change of clothes. You’ll be fine. Hope your Dad is home soon.

My son had Covid in April, i think i may have had mild symptoms but nobody else in house caught it.
Open the windows and avoid touching your face and use disposable gloves if you have any.
You can use diluted bleach, i did for door handles etc.
I am not a fan of bleach but as my dd has a heart condition i felt happier using it when ds was sick.

Also if you do any of his washing do it in his house and don't shake it before putting in washing machine.