Home Alone

[tiggerblue10]

Little Tigs had a 38.5 temperature last and tested positive for covid this morning. Did a test for him yesterday and it was negative so thought it was something else.

Anyway, he can't go to school for the rest of the week so will be isolating at home. I need to pop to the pharmacy to pick up another pack of tests for me as I'm currently negative but have had a sore throat since Monday. Only got 1 left in pack.

Can I go out with my mask on and do you think at age 11 (12 in May) it's ok to leave him at home on his own? When I was his age I was always left at home but that was 40 years ago. Just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing as I've not left him home alone before.

[bhg481]

You are the person best qualified to decide whether it is safe for him to be left alone for a short time. If he's usually a responsible person it should be OK; if he's liable to get up to mischief don't leave him.

[bednobs]

Firstly you can go out but why not get some sent? They only take a couple of days. Secondly yes, if you feel safe leaving him alone then it's OK to do so

[Stickybottle]

I would reason that it is safe

One advantage of social media these days is that a video call every 2-3 hours will remind him that you are being the concerned parent but can also double check that nothing is awry and thus settle your mind and concerns

[DTCwordfan]

what's a short time, fiven mins, ten mins, half an hour or an hour - we can't answer this, it's your assessment of risk - but give your pharmacist a call if you have any doubt - remember there are volunteers who can pick up what you need and deliver to your home.

[Tilly2]

How long will you be away, Tiggs?

[Arksided]

Bless young Tigger, hope he gets on the mend soon. I also remember being a 'latch street child' but personally knowing you're a busy working Mum, I wouldn't leave them alone. I've no idea about legal requirements these days. I just wish him well and you Xx

[Buenchico]

I see no problem at all in leaving a Year 7 lad alone for a short while when you pop to the pharmacy.

After all, in about 2½ years time, he'll be old enough to sail the Atlantic on his own!
https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/jan/03/1

[DTCwordfan]

Bloody Hell, Chris, that's a hell of a challenge to find a Boots that is open.....

[tiggerblue10]

Actually, yes I could do the post delivery thing which would solve both problems. I did want to test every day but I've only got one left in the pack.

Also, I found that some of the vials had such a small amount of liquid in them that hardly any was going on the test strip!

[tiggerblue10]

30 to 45 minutes tops, Tilly.

[DTCwordfan]

How odd, you could let your pharmacist know that....

[tiggerblue10]

The ones I got from the pharmacy last time were fine. The ones I got from his school were the problem ones.

[Arksided]

I misread your post somewhat. please let us know when you're both going to be fine and wellXx

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks Arky xx

[DTCwordfan]

well there you are, could your 'local' pharmacist dispense the necessary proper tests first thing in the morning?

[tiggerblue10]

Not sure they off that level of service but no harm in asking I guess.

[bednobs]

what about your parents? could they drop some off? could you ring any of your neighbours or friends?

[Atheist]

I got tests in the post the day after ordering them on the NHS site. Tests don't make you better, they just tell you whether or not it's likely that you have Covid. If you needed urgent meds, then I'd say do whatever is needed to get them, if just tests then it's not so urgent.

[tiggerblue10]

My parents are not near me anymore since I moved and they're going out tomorrow. I've ordered some by post so hope they arrive Friday.

Atheist, I know all that but little Tigs was due to go to his dads on Saturday which he won't be able to do. I would like to test him again in 5 days to see if he's negative and can go on Monday for half term.

[wolf63]

I hope little Tiggs isn't too unwell, and I really hope that you don't get ill either.

It would probably okay if you did leave him, but any good parent is bound to think of all that could go wrong. As you say things were different when we were young. :-)