Should my partner (teacher) self isolate as well?

[DFW84]

I am Asthmatic (seratide, venalin, antihistamine) and my wife is a primary school teacher. I am isolating due to Coronavirus but my wife has to go into school still to help key workers. Should she be isolating as well because of my condition?

[Troilus]

I think the best thing for her to do is speak to her headteacher and explain the situation. Apart from saying she could bring the virus home to you, she can mention that because it is not known if she is carrying the virus you are having to follow stringent social distancing measures within the home.

There may be other things she can do from home to help out. I’m thinking of the preparation of resources, setting on line work for children not at school, drawing up a list of useful websites the children could use to support and continue their learning while off school.

There are always lots of non contact jobs that need to be done in a school setting.

[Hidden]

My husband and I are both teachers. I have severe asthma so have been told to work from home. He was told to contact HR who have said as long as he sorts with his headteacher, it's okay with them that he also teaches from home. Otherwise he'd be mixing with so many people it kind of defeats the purpose!

[Poobah]

I think it depends on your ability to self isolate away from spouse at home. There are families everywhere who are splitting areas in their homes so the vulnerable members of the family can remain safe and others can remain in work. Separate bedrooms ideally and scrupulous cleaning if sharing areas such as kitchen and bathroom.

I read of one doctor yesterday who has moved into his garage to protect his family as he works with Covid-19 patients.