So what on earth are the new rules when you are a contact case?

[RacistAngst]

dc1 has been out with friends and one of them has tested positive today (one of those tests they do before going back to school).

I know that for double jabbed, you don't need to self isolate if you have been in contact with someone testing positive.
Same if a pupil has been in contact with another pupil testing positive in classroom/school.

But what about outside schools? Are under 18yo able to carry on as usual?

I am feeling quite uncomfrotable about that idea tbh. Assuminhg dc1 isnt self isolating (school back tomorrow...), what steps would you take? LFT everyday?

NHS advice here www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/

Close contacts exempt from SI should get a PCR and consider other ways to reduce contact www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-contacts-of-people-with-possible-or-confirmed-coronavirus-covid-19-infection-who-do-not-live-with-the-person/guidance-for-contacts-of-people-with-possible-or-confirmed-coronavirus-covid-19-infection-who-do-not-live-with-the-person

Yes, I would do daily LFDs if having contact with others, as well as the PCR.

How long is the incubation period for covid?
I'm thinking that doing a PCR test a day after is likely to come back negative (not enough time for the infection 'to take hold') so it might worth doing it a few days lter (and LFT in between).

Does that make sense?

The guidance says as soon as possible - it is a balance because doing it ASAP means if positive, you isolate fast and your contacts are notified fast. Anecdotally, delta seems to spread more quickly (eg the Boardmasters spike was within a couple of days) but I haven't seen hard evidence. In your shoes, I would get the PCR asap after TnT notification (or if that takes a few days, do it in a day or two), be super careful till that comes back and if neg, do daily or at least regular LFDs and avoid contact outside school/warn people etc.

You are unlikely to show a positive until 5days after exposure so waiting a couple of days might not be a bad idea- and do daily LFD

It’s daily lateral flow tests where I live. Kids at school as normal. No requirement for SD or masks.

That said if everyone who wants a jab has a jab then that’s all we can do!

We're in pretty much the same position.

I read the incubation period is 2 to 14 days which isn't very helpful so we are doing LFTs every day, distancing and I've just ordered PCRs which will be about day 6 after close contact.

It's hard to know what to do since the rules relaxed so much. It seems somehow immoral to act as normal if you've had a close contact or particularly if it's someone in the same household!

Double vaccinated and under 18s no longer have to isolate as a close contact of a positive case, if no symptoms.

In Scotland, you must immediately have a negative PCR to avoid isolation. In England, PCR is only advisable. Not sure of the other UK nations, sorry.

Given the incubation period, a better transition, imo, would be that close contacts need to isolate for, say 3 or 5 days, then release with a negative PCR. No idea why they've gone full hog on this.

If England, your DS wouldn't even need to isolate if you and the rest of the household tested positive. He would merely be advised, not required to get a PCR and could continue going to school and seeing friends.

If he did bother getting a PCR he would not be required to isolate while waiting for results.

He will only ever need to isolate if he has symptoms (unless then tests PCR negative) or if he actually has covid.

It's hard to know what to do since the rules relaxed so much. It seems somehow immoral to act as normal if you've had a close contact or particularly if it's someone in the same household!

I agree there. I’m finding the idea that, as parents, we are now. responsible disturbing tbh (according to G Williamson…)

@DumplingsAndStew, I would feel more comfortable with that too.

It wont happen though as dc is due back at school tomorrow.

We’ll organise the PCR for Friday and do LFT the rest of the time…