Isolating due to contact, what to expect

[jaychops]

Both DC having to isolate due to close contact. Both under 5. Awaiting contact from track and trace. We know as it's a friend who testing positive.

Will track and trace recommend a PCR or is LFD enough as they are asymptomatic? I've done an LFD on them both this morning (neg) and it was traumatic!

My DH had to isolate a few weeks ago but I already have forgotten what they told him!

You only tear if they have symptoms

My older DD qualifies for a PCR under as isolating due to contact. Taken her this morning, and I was offered one - now have to isolate until I get the result though - good to know result for hopeful reassurance.

Yes get a pcr. Dd is isolating for the same reason and had one yesterday.

They now offer a pcr for close contacts. I know this because our household were all offered one after DS tested positive in April. We didn’t have to take up the offer, it was optional. A negative result doesn’t get you out of isolation though, you still need to complete the 10 days.

There is little point in testing as it will only show whether they have it now. They could develop it at any point during their isolation period.

I would only get them tested if they have symptoms. Even if they get a negative result, they still have to isolate for the 10 days from last contact with positive person. It’s really difficult to make decision to get PCR tests, as Test and Trace may recommend getting them due to close contact.

I don't know why you'd test without symptoms, you have to isolate for 10 days even if the test is negative.

@SmallestInTheClass

I don't know why you'd test without symptoms, you have to isolate for 10 days even if the test is negative.

Because testing close contacts of the original cases now, might help to identify more positive cases and their contacts quicker. It might also identify some asymptomatic cases.

If it’s going to be traumatic for them, this is one of the times I would not test and just wait and see if they get any symptoms.

@Seeline

There is little point in testing as it will only show whether they have it now. They could develop it at any point during their isolation period.

But if they do have it then their own close contacts know to isolate