Self isolation is a mandatory state for those who are exhibiting coronavirus symptoms as well as those who are classed as belonging to a vulnerable group including pregnant women, those with underlying health conditions and those aged over-70. But if your partner has to self isolate can you still go to work as normal?
What is self isolation?
Self isolation is a protective measure undertaken to prevent the spread of the virus and protect those who could be hardest hit by the killer infection.
It is a very important step for anyone who has the virus or might have been exposed to it.
By self isolating the number of people who might catch the disease from that one person is drastically reduced, helping to prevent coronavirus from spreading widely and rapidly.
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In practical terms, self isolations means you must:
- Stay at home
- Not travel to work, school or public areas
- Not use public transport like buses, trains, tubes or taxis
- Avoid visitors to your home
- Ask friends, family members or delivery services to carry out errands for you, such as getting groceries, medications or other shopping.
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Who has to self isolate?
Self isolation is relevant to several groups of people in the UK including:
- People waiting for a COVID-19 test result.
- People who are identified as being a close contact of someone with coronavirus.
- Returning travellers.
- Certain members of the general public.
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Lockdown UK: Can I see my partner during lockdown?
Around 1.5 millions Britons classed as vulnerable have or will be told this week to self isolate to shield themselves from the deadly virus.
The Government guidance is that people who are over 70, have an underlying health condition or are pregnant, are strongly advised to limit social interaction with friends and family, where possible.
These vulnerable persons received a text or letter directing them to stay at home for 12 weeks on Monday.
These persons may have also been contacted by their GP and given guidance about how best to protect themselves, including staying at home at all times and avoiding any face-to-face contact.
Should you self-isolate if your partner has to?
On Good Morning Britain on Thursday a viewer called the show to ask whether they should be self isolating for 12 weeks because they have a pregnant partner.
Dr Hilary Jones said: “Your partner is pregnant, she is in a vulnerable group, not because we know that pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to this virus.
“There is no great evidence that they are, in fact.
“But as an extra precaution because they have an unborn baby as well as themselves, it is being advised that they regard themselves as being in a vulnerable group and socially isolate as much as possible, physically distance as much as possible.
“As for partners, they can still go to work.
“If they have not got symptoms, they live in the same household, they do not need to incarcerate themselves for the duration.
“They do not need to separate from their partner.
If they do not have symptoms and are sharing kitchens, sharing bathrooms, sharing the same bed, they cannot be expected to distance themselves for that amount of time.”
Do you have any questions about the coronavirus, self-isolating or the Government lockdown?
Get in touch with us and Express.co.uk will ask an expert to find the answers for you. Email your question to [email protected]
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