Hello Mattjuk

I think you're right that there's not a definitive answer to your question and the answers that we do have are changing daily. You might find it useful to have a look at our science blog post here. 

I think that ChrisS has made some very sensible points in her reply. Whilst taking on board the Oncologists advice you may also want to speak to your wife's GP or perhaps one of our nurses for some further support. Our team are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator

Hi Matt

If an employee does not have symptoms of COVID-19 and neither does anyone else in the household, however - someone in the household is deemed to fall within the vulnerable category...then should that employee wish to refrain from working, there is (currently) no obligation on the employer to consider this as paid or sick leave....so if you managed to convince your employer to allow you time off, then this would be unpaid unfortunately (unless they were feeling generous). You would not be deemed (currently) to be in the high risk category yourself because you live with someone who is considered within the vulnerable category. 
 

If your wife was to report symptoms of coronavirus, you would need to self-isolate and refrain from working from the first day she showed symptoms. This would need to be for a period of 14 days. In this case, you will be deemed incapable of work and so should be paid SSP (from day 1) or any contractual sick pay entitlements. 
 

If you were deemed within a vulnerable category yourself and there was no way to mitigate any risk (I.E you couldn't safely travel to and from work and you could not socially distance yourself at work), you'd be deemed incapable of work and, again - entitled to sick pay. 
 

It might be worth having a chat to your employer about your fears...you never know, they may well be sympathetic and be able to make some arrangements for you. 
 

It'd be prudent for you to keep your eye out on any government announcements in this area too (nothing so far in this regard). 

Another approach if you deem yourself to be at risk of contracting the infection is to live separately from your wife, so you work and she self-isolates. This is far from ideal, I know. However, not unheard of in the times we find ourselves in now (I work in employment law...and I know some employees have resorted to this). I don't have any medical qualification whatsoever and so I don't know if this would be considered quite an extreme and unnecessary measure if you were to adopt the recommended hand-washing/hygiene approach. 

Take care...and hope your employer is understanding of your situation xx 

Hi Matt,

I notice that your post is a week old & the Government advice has changed since then. If your wife is on immunotherapy she should have received a text or letter by now saying she is in the At Risk category and that she should self isolate for the next 12 weeks www.gov.uk/.../major-new-measures-to-protect-people-at-highest-risk-from-coronavirus

I know several At Risk patients who have taken the decision to remove themselves from the rest of their family in an attempt to protect themselves so that their family members can carry on with their working lives. A Stage 4 cancer patient friend on immunotherapy is living in her motor home on her drive to avoid contact with her husband & son. A difficult position but, unless employers are made to give spouses of At Risk patients paid leave, this is one of the few options available to keep your wife safe. 

I hope you find an answer that works for you & your wife. Take care & keep well,

Angie