if a family member has covid what to do

Coronavirus (COVID-xix): Guidance for individuals with possible coronavirus infection

Self-isolating when y'all are asked to is the best way to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-xix). It's very important that you lot stay at home (cocky-isolate) if:

you have symptoms of coronavirus
you lot've had a positive lateral flow device (LFD) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test consequence
you've been told to self-isolate because yous're a close contact of a positive case

When and how long to self-isolate due to coronavirus

Utilize this guide to detect out if you need to self-isolate and for how long.

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Self-isolation if you lot have coronavirus

If you have symptoms, you should self-isolate immediately and book a PCR examination. If you examination positive, you lot should self-isolate for x days from the engagement your symptoms started.

If y'all've had a positive PCR or LFD test result only no symptoms, yous should self-isolate for 10 days from the date of your examination. Yous may keep to develop symptoms over the next few days, simply you don't demand a confirmatory PCR test, unless advised past a clinician, and you don't demand to re-commencement your isolation menses. If you develop whatsoever of the main symptoms of coronavirus and y'all are concerned, or your symptoms are worsening, speak to your GP. If your GP is airtight, phone 111. In an emergency telephone 999.

You may yet have a cough or loss of, or modify in, sense of smell or taste for several weeks. People with symptoms are very unlikely to infect others after the 10th day of disease. Once y'all've completed your ten 24-hour interval self-isolation, you can render to piece of work and your usual activities (regardless of your LFD result) every bit long as y'all feel better and do non have a loftier temperature. You must keep to follow the Scottish Government'south coronavirus advice.

Ending self-isolation early

You may be able to end self-isolation early on if y'all have two negative LFD exam results in a row from day 6 onwards, taken 24 hours apart. For example, a negative LFD exam result on day 6 and 7, twenty-four hours 7 and 8, or day eight and 9. You should report your LFD test issue later on taking each examination, regardless of the effect. To be able to end self-isolation, y'all should as well brand sure you:

do not take a loftier temperature
follow the guidance for staying safe when you've ended self-isolation

You should not take an LFD test earlier day six of your cocky-isolation period.

Y'all should only end self-isolation afterward 2 negative LFD exam results in a row.

This guidance applies regardless of age, vaccination status or previous infection.

If you continue to test positive on LFD tests, or cull non to have LFD tests to end self-isolation early, you lot can render to piece of work and your usual activities on the 11th day later on your symptoms started, every bit long as you experience better and do not take a high temperature.

If yous're nevertheless testing positive during a flow of isolation and, rightly, reporting the positive test results, you may receive repeated isolation information from Examination and Protect. You should not restart your isolation menses, instead, you should continue to follow the advice you received following your first positive test.

Back up bachelor

If you're told to self-isolate by Exam and Protect yous may be eligible for a £500 Self-Isolation Support Grant. If y'all have tested positive on a LFD exam, you lot need a confirmatory positive PCR exam upshot to apply for the grant.

Volume a PCR test

National Assistance Helpline

If your friends or family are not able to assist, telephone the National Assistance Helpline (0800 111 4000).

This helpline is merely for those who have to stay at dwelling house but can't go the help they need through friends or family.

If y'all've tested positive in the last 28 days

If you lot've tested positive, you should intermission routine LFD testing for 28 days after self-isolating. Count the 28 days from the day your symptoms started, or the appointment of your positive test if you didn't accept symptoms. If you're identified as a close contact during this fourth dimension, you do not need to examination or self-isolate as long as you do not take whatever new symptoms, regardless of vaccination condition. If you lot do develop new symptoms, self-isolate and volume a PCR test.

Read how to show proof of recovery from coronavirus for international travel

Cocky-isolation if you're a close contact

You may be a shut contact if yous:

live with someone who has tested positive – for case y'all sleep in the same home or alive in shared accommodation similar academy halls
have spent eight hours or more in the home of the person who has tested positive during their infectious period – for case a sleepover
are a cleaner (not using PPE) who cleans the dwelling of the person who has tested positive, fifty-fifty if you did non spend time with them
accept had contiguous contact less than 1 metre apart from the person who has tested positive for any length of time
have had any contact less than 1 metre apart from the person who tested positive for one infinitesimal or longer
have been within 2 metres of the person who tested positive for more than fifteen minutes
car-shared with the person who tested positive

If you live with someone who tests positive, y'all should follow the guidance for shut contacts from when their symptoms started, or from when they tested positive if they don't have symptoms.

If yous're not sure if you're a shut contact, or if you demand advice about close contacts, you tin can call the National Contact Tracing Heart on 0800 030 8012. Interpreter services and contactScotland-BSL are available.

The infectious period is any time from ii days earlier any ane of the three master symptoms starts and up to 10 days after. If the person who tested positive does not have symptoms, their close contacts are counted from 2 days earlier the date of their positive examination and up to 10 days after.

Close contacts who are fully vaccinated

If you lot're a close contact who is fully vaccinated, y'all tin have daily LFD tests instead of cocky-isolating. Fully vaccinated means you've received 3 doses of an approved vaccine at to the lowest degree xiv days earlier yous last saw the person who tested positive. If you lot live with the person who tested positive, the 14 days is counted from the twenty-four hours their symptoms started, or 14 days before they tested positive if they don't have symptoms. The daily LFD tests should be taken for 7 days in a row or until the end of your x day self-isolation flow, whichever is soonest.

Equally a shut contact, if you lot develop the main symptoms of coronavirus you lot should immediately cocky-isolate and volume a PCR test. If this is negative continue to take daily LFD tests for 7 days or the duration of your self-isolation catamenia which always is soonest. If this is positive then you lot need to self-isolate for 10 days from when your symptoms started. You may be able to stop self-isolation early on.

If any of your LFD tests are positive, you should self-isolate for x days from the date of your positive test result. You do not demand to book a follow-up PCR examination to confirm your positive LFD result.

Close contacts who are not fully vaccinated

If you're a close contact who is non fully vaccinated, you should self-isolate for ten days and volume a PCR examination. Even if your test outcome is negative, you should complete the 10 day self-isolation.

If you've had a positive PCR exam result in the last 90 days, you do not need to book some other PCR test unless yous develop new symptoms.

If yous cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, yous should follow the guidance for close contacts who are fully vaccinated.

If you're taking function in a registered clinical vaccine trial which means yous cannot be fully vaccinated, y'all tin can follow the guidance for fully vaccinated shut contacts.

Close contacts aged under 18 years and iv months

Close contacts aged under 18 years and 4 months can take daily LFD tests instead of self-isolating. The daily LFD tests should be taken for seven days in a row or until the cease of your 10 day self-isolation period, whichever is soonest.

Equally a close contact, if you develop the main symptoms of coronavirus you lot should immediately self-isolate and book a PCR examination. If this is negative continue to have daily LFD tests for 7 days or the duration of your cocky-isolation menstruum which ever is soonest. If this is positive and then you need to self-isolate for 10 days from when your symptoms started. You may be able to end cocky-isolation early on.

If whatsoever of your LFD tests are positive, you should cocky-isolate for x days from the date of your positive exam result. Yous do non demand to book a follow-up PCR test to confirm your positive LFD effect.

'Low risk' contacts aged under 18 years and iv months

You may receive a notification to tell you that you lot or your child is a 'low chance' contact. Notifications are ordinarily sent by schools or nurseries to children who accept shared a classroom with someone who has tested positive.

Low risk contacts do not need to cocky-isolate, book a PCR exam or accept daily LFD tests. They should follow the advice in the notification to take extra precautions, including regular LFD testing.

Children under v

Children under v who are shut contacts do non need to self-isolate or take daily LFD tests, only are recommended to accept a examination.

If the child under five has symptoms or develops symptoms so they should accept a PCR test.

If yous're unable to take LFD tests for a medical reason

If yous or someone you care for is identified as a contact but have been advised by a medical professional person that you or they are unable to exercise have LFD tests for a medical reason, this should be discussed with Exam and Protect when they contact you.

Staying safe if you've ended cocky-isolation

If y'all're someone who can end cocky-isolation, you should:

limit close contact with other people outside your household, especially in enclosed spaces, for ten days
wear a face roofing in enclosed spaces and where you cannot maintain concrete distancing
limit contact with anyone who is at highest chance for 10 days
not visit people in care homes, hospitals, prisons or other detention centres for x days, unless essential and agreed with staff in advance
continue to take part in twice weekly lateral menstruation device (LFD) testing later on the 10 days

If you've tested positive, count the ten days from the date your symptoms started, or the date of your test if you do not have symptoms. If y'all're a close contact, count the 10 days from the date of your last contact with the positive instance.

How to cocky-isolate

Do

ask others for help to make sure yous tin stay at home
ask your employer, friends or family to help you lot get the things yous need
stay at least 2 metres (about three steps) away from other people in your home whenever possible
slumber alone if possible
wash your easily with soap and water for xx seconds regularly
stay away from the elderly and those with underlying health weather condition as much as possible
consider whether older people and those with underlying health weather condition tin stay in some other business firm while y'all need to stay at domicile
contact carers to tell them you're self-isolating and then they tin follow the right procedures to forestall spread of the infection
keep in bear upon with friends and family by phone or through social media
postpone any non-essential healthcare appointments – for example medical, dental or optician appointments

Cocky-isolation means you lot should stay at home. You shouldn't become to work, schoolhouse, public areas or utilize public transport. You shouldn't get out to buy nutrient or other essentials.

Avoid close contact with others by:

non having visitors
not using taxis or public ship
asking a friend or neighbour to get your shopping or arranging for a delivery to exist left at your door
not sharing towels, clothes, toothbrushes or razors

What you can do to help yourself get better

Read our advice on treating coronavirus symptoms at home

Launder your easily regularly

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds regularly. This will help protect yous and others around you lot from passing on any infection. Y'all can also employ an alcohol-based manus sanitiser if your hands aren't visibly muddy.

Dry your hands using a dissever towel from other people.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Cover your coughs and sneezes

Cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissues when yous cough or sneeze. If y'all don't have a tissue, cough into the crook of your elbow and not in your manus.

Dispose of your tissues in a dispensable rubbish pocketbook and wash your hands immediately with soap and h2o or use a manus sanitiser.

Stay abroad from others

Separate yourself from other people in your home and keep the door airtight. If you tin can't stay in a separate room, try to stay ii metres (3 steps) abroad from the other people.

Stay in a well-ventilated room with a window that can be opened. Try to keep the window open as much every bit possible to assist with ventilation and air flow. This will help to proceed clean air moving through your room.

Each person should:

sleep in a different bed where possible
use their own toothbrushes, towels, linen, cups, plates, bowls and cutlery
take meals to their own room to eat

Shared living spaces

Spend as piddling time equally possible in your kitchen, bathrooms and sitting areas and keep these areas well ventilated. This is especially of import if you, or your family members, are at higher gamble.

If you tin can, use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household. If you share a kitchen, avoid using information technology while others are present.

If you share a toilet and bath wipe any surfaces you come up in contact with and clean it afterwards every use.

Use a dishwasher if you have one. If you don't accept a dishwasher, wash your plates and cutlery using washing upward liquid and warm water. Then dry them thoroughly with a carve up tea towel.

Collecting shopping and prescriptions

If possible, enquire a friend or family fellow member to run errands on your behalf. For example ownership groceries, picking up prescriptions or walking your dog.

You can also order your shopping online, but ask them to get out items exterior or by your front door. The commitment driver should not come up into your dwelling house.

Pharmacies can often arrange to evangelize repeat prescriptions if you run out while yous remain at home. Other people can collect a prescription on your behalf.

Cleaning products

Clean all surfaces every day with a household cleaner that's active confronting viruses and bacteria. Pay special attention to frequently touched areas. Usual household products like detergents and bleach are effective.

Launder your hands with soap and h2o afterwards cleaning surfaces and handling clothing and bedding.

Waste disposal

Yous can put personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths in disposable rubbish bags. These should be:

placed into another bag
tied deeply
kept separate from other waste matter in your room
put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your usual external household waste product bin

Other household waste product tin can exist disposed of every bit normal.

Laundry

Don't shake dirty laundry as this can spread the virus through the air.

Launder laundry using the highest temperature setting on the label. Where possible, wash laundry separately from other people living in your household.

If you lot don't accept a washing motorcar, wait a further three days subsequently your cocky-isolation period has ended to take your laundry to a launderette.

If you live with someone at higher risk

Family members at higher risk should spend as little time as possible in shared spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and sitting areas. You should keep these spaces well ventilated.

The person at college risk should, where possible:

proceed ii metres (3 steps) away from you and others in your household
slumber in a dissimilar bed
use a separate bathroom from the balance of the household
use divide towels from the other people in your house
take their meals dorsum to their room to swallow

The residue of the household should:

clean whatever shared toilets and bathrooms every time you employ them, for example wiping surfaces y'all take come up into contact with
consider drawing up a rota for bathing, with the higher risk person using the facilities first
avoid using the kitchen while they are present.
use a dishwasher to clean and dry out the family's used crockery and cutlery
wash them using your usual washing up liquid and warm h2o if you don't have a dishwasher
dry all crockery and cutlery thoroughly, and apply a separate tea towel if the higher risk person is using their own utensils

If y'all live with a higher run a risk person and it's not possible to physically distance from them, phone the National Assistance Helpline (0800 111 4000) to talk over your needs.

Late stages of pregnancy

If you lot call back you're in labour, phone your maternity unit and tell them you think you're in labour but accept been self-isolating. They'll be able to suggest you what to do adjacent.

Nosotros accept more detailed coronavirus guidance for people who are pregnant

Breastfeeding

Read our advice on breastfeeding if you have coronavirus

Confront masks

If yous have a carer who visits your home, they need to wear protective equipment to reduce the risk of infection. It's recommended you vesture a face mask too.

If necessary, your local carer's centre tin can provide protective equipment to your carer.

Notice a carer centre in your surface area

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Source: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-individuals-with-possible-coronavirus-infection