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Original poster

I feel like a close contact...

30 replies

Scarby9 · 22/07/2021 09:37

...but I suspect it is just because I have got used to being so distant to people for so long.
Yesterday I was in a room 6m × 4m with two colleagues for 2 hours. The window and internal door were open. When I was within 1m of either colleague, I put my mask on, but none of us had masks on when further apart. The other two people are together in that room 8-5ish every day, no masks but seated 3m apart.

One of them felt ill yesterday afternoon and had a positive LFT, now awaiting PCR result. She says only her family are her close contacts but no-one at work.

But to me I feel like a contact. It is only recently we have removed masks at work, and only yesterday we have got closer than 2m other than fleetingly. So it feels almost risky behaviour after so long! I suspect she is right about the definition of close contact, but I feel I need to wait to visit my vulnerable parents, for example.

Any thoughts?

OP posts:
BIWI · 22/07/2021 09:40

I would say you are, and I would be worried in your position. I hope she's not coming back to work?

Seastheday03 · 22/07/2021 09:45

I would say you're a close contact. If she doesn't identify you as one then be very careful for the next few days, maybe take a daily lft test? X

ineedaholidaynow · 22/07/2021 09:48

I would be avoiding your vulnerable parents, or only meet outside and take LFT. Would also think about your social interactions with other people

Original poster
Scarby9 · 22/07/2021 09:51

No, she is very responsible, so is not in work and her family are all isolating. Her husband has started with symptoms this morning too. They actually only came out of isolation 10 days ago after their DS had Covid, which none of the rest of them caught.

I suppose it is partly because she is so responsible that it caught me on the hop when she said we weren't close contacts. Interesting that you feel like me, @BIWI.

OP posts:
Original poster
Scarby9 · 22/07/2021 09:52

My (regular) LFT today is negative, but presumably too soon anyway.

OP posts:
Original poster
Scarby9 · 22/07/2021 09:54

I've chosen to work from home today to wait for her PCR results.

OP posts:
catfunk · 22/07/2021 09:59

We've had a few cases in my office and because everyone has stayed distanced and with good ventillation, nobody has caught it from them! Be careful and alert but try not to worry.

Biscuitsneeded · 22/07/2021 10:02

I would just work from home if you can, wear a mask if you have o go out to shop, and say no to any social events for the next 10 days or so. Keep doing the LFTs. By the official definition perhaps you are not a close contact, but obviously there is some risk so I would play it safe.

whatswithtodaytoday · 22/07/2021 10:04

Yes, you would be a close contact. Regardless of what government advice is, you've been breathing in all the virus she's been breathing out, all day. Hopefully the ventilation from the open windows will have dissipated it enough to not infect you, but you should isolate.

You won't test positive yet - if you caught it yesterday it will take a few days to show up - 3-4 normally but can be longer (hence the 10 day isolation).

BIWI · 22/07/2021 10:04

I think I'm worried (or rather, would be in your position - I'm retired now so not going into an office!), because a couple of friends of mine, both double jabbed, have both gone down with Covid. Thankfully not seriously, but nevertheless not a pleasant illness.

And if you have vulnerable parents, it's even more worrying.

I know we're going to have to learn to live with this virus - but I can't help feeling that we're all being encouraged to rush back into things a little too early.

BeachPicture · 22/07/2021 10:04

I would say tou are a close contact. Covid is airborne and that room is small enough that one person will fill the room with covid. Unless you were wearing a full medical grade FP3 mask then being within 1m you are still at risk

Reallybadidea · 22/07/2021 10:10

If she's been vaccinated then this will give you some protection as transmissibility is significantly reduced, even if she has symptoms. But I would agree that it would be sensible to be very careful with whom you have contact.

Sockwomble · 22/07/2021 10:13

If you were less than 2m from them for a total of 15 minutes you are a close contact and even if she doesn't name you to t and t
you should still be very careful with your interactions.

Original poster
Scarby9 · 22/07/2021 10:14

Interesting that we pretty much all feel the same, although I suspect she is technically correct.

I am otherwise based in an office with 3 other people, all precisely 2m apart but facing inwards towards one another. So I am not going to go in. I can collect stuff tonight after office hours if necessary (and obviously only if not identified as a close contact).

Good job I topped up with bread and milk yesterday before going into work.

OP posts:
Cattitudes · 22/07/2021 10:17

I would not visit your parents and keep a low profile but you don't legally qualify as a close contact so you could go to collect a click and collect.

Wheelz46 · 22/07/2021 10:29

I don't think your friend is even technically correct, if this were to have happened in school all those close by would have to isolate.

To be on the safe side, your colleague needs to advice track and trace of the scenario and they can make the ultimate decision if you are classed as a close contact, I would be extremely surprised if they said you weren't.

LizzieSiddal · 22/07/2021 10:33

I think many of us are and will be dealing with scenarios like yours OP. As others have said, work from home if you can, don’t see anyone venerable and if you do need to go to a shop, wear a mask and keep your distance from people.

SquashMinusIsShit · 22/07/2021 10:36

@Biscuitsneeded

I would just work from home if you can, wear a mask if you have o go out to shop, and say no to any social events for the next 10 days or so. Keep doing the LFTs. By the official definition perhaps you are not a close contact, but obviously there is some risk so I would play it safe.
This is what I would do.
luckylavender · 22/07/2021 11:00

@Wheelz46 - except the colleague hasn't yet tested positive

QueenStromba · 22/07/2021 11:03

If you've been within 1m of her for any length of time then you're a contact even with mask unless you work in a hospital.

disconnecteddrifter · 22/07/2021 11:12

At school we are only considered a close contact if we are without a mask and within 2 metres or if 1m without a mask for 10 minutes. I'm a teacher and had so many positive cases in my packed out classes but only those within that criteria had to isolate.

AbsolutelyPatsy · 22/07/2021 11:14

i wouldnt call it close contact,

Wheelz46 · 22/07/2021 11:16

@luckylavender OP said her colleague tested positive on a LTF, school children and teachers still have to isolate if had close contact with someone who tested positive on a LTF. If the PCR comes back negative then the isolation ends, if the PCR comes back positive, the isolation continues.

luckylavender · 22/07/2021 11:18

School children are different. I don't think the ACAS rules say that.

Wheelz46 · 22/07/2021 11:19

@luckylavender ah okay, I see what you are saying. They haven't tested positive on a PCR test, apologies, currently having a break from homeschooling Grin

The kids and teachers at our school have to isolate if someone tests positive on LTF so the colleague should mention to track and trace OP scenario if PCR comes back positive.