When faced with a diagnosis of a positive COVID-19 test, the question of whether to quarantine with your partner or seek a separate living space can be overwhelming. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help navigate this challenging situation.

Understanding Your Choices

Your decision should be based on a combination of practical and health considerations. If only one individual is tested positive, multiple factors come into play, including the need to avoid spreading the virus and maintaining your own health. This article will explore the pros and cons of staying at home versus seeking an alternative living situation.

Should You Stay with Your Partner?

Staying with a partner who is positive for COVID-19 means facing several challenges. You risk contracting the virus, which not only jeopardizes your health but also is likely to impact the entire household. In the UK, individuals can share a quarantine space, but the process of minimizing risk involves strict adherence to guidelines.

What to Consider if You Choose to Stay

Eat in a separate room, if possible, to avoid aerosol spread during meals. Strictly use a separate bathroom, and thoroughly clean it after every use. Keep the door of the sickroom closed as much as possible to reduce the spread of the virus. Avoid shared spaces like the kitchen and living room at the same time as your partner. If your home has a forced air heating or cooling system, consider blocking off the ducts to contain the virus within the sickroom.

In the UK, governmental guidelines recommend self-isolating if you have symptoms. These guidelines are designed to minimize the risk of virus transmission to those you live with. The key is to stay as physically distant as possible, while adhering to proper hygiene practices.

Alternatives: Quarantining Separately

If staying together in the same home is too risky, you might consider quarantining separately. This can be challenging but is often necessary to protect your health and that of others. Here’s what you can do:

How to Quarantine Separately

Designate a sickroom for the person who tested positive. This room should be negatively pressurized, with the air that leaves passing through a high-efficiency filter. Here are the steps:

Set up a sickroom for your partner and provide essential items like food, water, and cleaning supplies. Use space heaters or window air conditioning for heating and cooling if there’s no option to use the central system. Avoid visiting the sickroom as much as possible and ensure it is sealed off from other parts of the house.

While this approach requires more effort, it significantly reduces the risk of spreading the virus, helping everyone remain safe and healthy.

Seeking Professional Advice

Given the dynamic nature of health protocols, it is crucial to consult professional advice. In the UK, you can:

Reach out to a medical practitioner for personalized guidance. Access NHS or relevant medical website to get updated information on safety measures. Call a helpline specific to your area for professional advice.

Educating yourself with the latest guidelines and following the medical advice provided by experts is the best way to handle this situation responsibly.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to stay or go depends on your specific situation and the advice given by medical professionals. By taking the necessary precautions and seeking professional guidance, you can make an informed decision that safeguards your health and that of your loved ones. Remember, the goal is to minimize the risk of spreading the virus while ensuring everyone’s well-being.