DH work telling him he needs a negative test to return

[UnbalancedMum]

I’m wondering if anyone else is in this situation?

I became ill with symptoms 26/1, tested positive 29/1 my isolation ends Saturday. DH started the day after 27/1 and test came back positive this morning as expected his first was negative we think he tested too early as tested the day symptoms started but were only mild, they’ve since increased. I’m feeling much better luckily, dh still unwell. His isolation will end Sunday.

He works as a HGV driver, not a critical worker. His work have told him he needs to test negative before he can return.

Now on the guidance on gov it states that he cannot take an LFT for the next 90 days and should not take another PCR unless he develops new symptoms once his isolation has ended. I know this is because you can still test positive even though not infectious, we’re hoping to ask test and trace what to do when they call later today but anyone else in this boat? Do we have a leg to stand on if he states the gov guidelines?

For reference...

Ask the employer to supply the test. It’s quite normal not to return u til after a negative test

Just to say I am curious about this too. I tested positive on 15th January but continued to have symptoms after 10 days. I am feeling confused about when to return to work. They have suggested a negative test but the guidelines don’t indicate this as you have shown above.

Does it matter if he just does a test? Near here you can get a drive through one same day and get your result back really quick, it’s not that much to ask to just go and get one

If his employer is asking for this then they should pay for the test. They are available privately. I say this as a small business owner and an employer.

My wife tested positive and went back to work after her 10 days, 4 days later, she was told there was an outbreak on the ward and anyone that had worked on the ward had to have a test, she had another test done 15 days after her first, it came back positive even tho she had 0 symptoms bu this point and had to isolate again!

@Rowenasemolina

Ask the employer to supply the test. It’s quite normal not to return u til after a negative test

This is not true. The test can pick up fragments of the old infection and make you have a positive test even when you are no longer contagious. You shouldn't test within 90 days of a positive test unless you have new symptoms

I realise it’s not much to ask and I understand they want to keep the work place safe but most days he doesn’t even have contact with anyone face to face. We’ve followed the rules from the start and I’m a keyworker so I know how important it is.

Its advised he doesn’t test again because of remnants of the virus being present meaning he could end up being off work for up to 90 days despite not being contagious and that would affect us financially quite hard. Also, if he tests again and it comes back positive again, wouldn’t test and trace ask me and the children to isolate again with him? So we’d all be stuck in isolation despite none of us being contagious.

@LawnFever

Does it matter if he just does a test? Near here you can get a drive through one same day and get your result back really quick, it’s not that much to ask to just go and get one

The point is you can test positive for 90 days after infection even though you aren’t contagious. If he tests he could be testing positive for weeks.

You can have a positive test up to 12 weeks after your initial positive test. We are seeing this in hospital where someone with a known positive test are still positive at 5 weeks later and their reason for admission is unrelated to covid symptoms. The advice we are given if that we can return to work after 10 days as long as our symptoms (apart from a cough which can persist for some time) have resolved.

Thankyou everyone. Do you think test and trace would be able to speak to his employer ? as I have a feeling they’re not going to listen when we tell them this.

You need to say all of this, in writing, to the employer, pointing out to them that a second test is not required and against medical and government instructions regarding retesting. He will need to inform the employer that he is fit for work (obviously when he is) and if they refuse to allow him to return, then they are medically suspending him. In which case it is their legal duty to pay him full pay (not sick pay or SSP) until such time as they return him to work. Coronavirus or not, an employer cannot refuse to allow a person to return to work from a period of sickness unless they pay them, and there is no requirement to prove your fitness for work. If the employer doesn't agree they can involve occupational health or their own doctors etc., but they cannot enforce a continued period of sickness and they must pay the employee.

@Moondust001

You need to say all of this, in writing, to the employer, pointing out to them that a second test is not required and against medical and government instructions regarding retesting. He will need to inform the employer that he is fit for work (obviously when he is) and if they refuse to allow him to return, then they are medically suspending him. In which case it is their legal duty to pay him full pay (not sick pay or SSP) until such time as they return him to work. Coronavirus or not, an employer cannot refuse to allow a person to return to work from a period of sickness unless they pay them, and there is no requirement to prove your fitness for work. If the employer doesn't agree they can involve occupational health or their own doctors etc., but they cannot enforce a continued period of sickness and they must pay the employee.

Thankyou so much.

@NellietheNumpty. If you still have symptoms particularly a high temperature, you should not return to work. Fatigue can be bad for a while after isolation period has ended, so try and take it easy when you return. Hope you feel better soon.

[quote Mindymomo]@NellietheNumpty. If you still have symptoms particularly a high temperature, you should not return to work. Fatigue can be bad for a while after isolation period has ended, so try and take it easy when you return. Hope you feel better soon.[/quote]
Yes I agree, Test and Trace told me that as long as my symptoms such as sneezing, sickness, diarrhoea, fever etc have gone I can return to work/normal activities unfortunately my cough or fatigue could linger for weeks.

Thankyou for advice everyone he’s going to speak to his work today.

He night have a long wait. You can still test positive for up to 90 days