close contact of a close contact

[Iwantmynameback]

hi, im looking for guidance on this situation, i was in the company of 3 friends on friday night. One of these friends phoned last night that they were a close contact of someone who had tested positive. My friend has had a test and is waiting results. Where does that leave me, do i continue on as normal or restrict my and familys movements. I can only find info on being a close contact of a positive case. Im worried as i saw my mother yesterday before i heard this news she has had her first vaccine but should i let her know aswell. We were not outside, im worried and anxious and feel stupid because i broke the rules. I have really stuck to the rules but didnt on Friday night. Any words of wisdom.

Unless friend tests positive you carry on as usual.

I would not feel the need to tell anyone but would be careful about seeing people until I heard back about the friend’s test results.

There is a minor risk that your friend was infectious, but until they get test results you won't know that. Just wait and see, don't mix indoors with anyone except your household until you find out but no need to isolate yet.

thank you, this is a shit feeling, there is no way my friend would have come near me had she known the other person had been for a test. Maybe given her the heads up that she had been for a test. 🙄

If you’re worried take an LFT. Anyone can take one, even with no symptoms. If it’s positive, PCR and isolate. If not, carry on as normal until your friend gets results.

Even if your friend was infectious on Friday and infected you, you wouldn't get infectious enough by Saturday to be able to infect your mum (presumably she's vaccinated anyway?). The only risk to her would be if both gatherings were inside your house with no open windows, even then a day's delay should be enough time for any virus to die (unless your friend and mum both licked the doorknobs).

I would try to limit interactions where possible. Nothing non essential, keeping your distance from people etc but you don't have to self isolate yet.

Your friend should not take a negative test as proof she has not got covid as she will still be in the incubation period.

You carry on as normal

You don’t have to isolate or notify your contacts unless she tests positive. I would try to avoid seeing people unnecessarily until your friend gets her test results back. But if you have to go to work/school/buy essentials then you’re allowed to so don’t worry too much. And yes, as PP said, anyone can take LFT so order some of them (mine came the next day) to help out your mind at rest (if you show symptoms or get a positive result then you’ll need a PCR test)

Not in England so no chance of taking an LFT, they not available for us. @Mrex i met my mum at her house....the first gathering was at my house, indoors (against the rules) social distanced with windows open. I work in a school think i will keep us away from school tomorrow if i havent heard back from friend

@dementedpixie yes she has to restrict her movements for the next 10 days and will get tested again.