[James Malloch]

Got my first ever positive test today (3 days before dad’s funeral - NNFN…).

What’s the general advice these days, just rest up and don’t overdo things when things start improving?

And how long would one likely be infectious - is a negative test enough to risk mixing with high risk family?

I’m feeling medium rough with shivers and everything aching so will probably just have some lemsip for now.

I’m guessing the fact I never hear anything about it now means it’s basically just part of life…

[jshaw]

Sorry to hear this James. Regarding infectiousness of COVID, a general rule of thumb is: you are potentially infectious while you have symptoms. Infectiousness can vary from person to person. Many people will no longer be infectious after 5 days, some will be infectious for up to 10 days (source: NHS guidance).

Edit: was skimming and missed the follow-up Q.

The relationship between antigen test positivity and COVID-19 infectiousness is complicated. But a negative antigen test (provided it isn't falsely negative) would mean you are less likely to be contagious as the antigen will be below detection in your upper airway.

[spidermonkey09]

Difficult situation James, sorry to hear that. If it were me, I think I'd try to mix with family outside as much as possible and obviously let them know you're currently testing positive, but given the importance of the day there's only so much you can do. It's another thing to think about when you already have a lot on. Hope you feel better soon and you give your dad a good send off.

[seankenny]

Perhaps worth letting everyone know the score as some people may have underlying health conditions that you’re unaware of. Outside is a good idea, I’d strongly recommend avoiding hugging and close contact but appreciate that is crap advice for a funeral.

For yourself, yes do take it easy for a bit afterwards. The chances of it turning into the extended version are about one in ten, maybe a little less, so not negligible and worth avoiding.

Hope the day goes as well as can be expected. Get well soon!

[SA Chris]

That's tough. I have always (well, twice) waited until it feels like my heartrate is back to normal before thinking about any strenuous exercise.

Hope the day goes OK.

[seankenny]

Another thought - if you think there’s a chance you’re still infectious maybe wear a mask.

[slab_happy]

Yeah, I'd definitely consider masking up if you're going to be indoors with people while you might still be infectious. Then do as much outdoors as possible.

Though obviously as Sean says it's all miserable advice for a funeral.

Perhaps worth letting everyone know the score as some people may have underlying health conditions that you’re unaware of.

This. Let other people know so they can decide what risks to take.

I hope it all goes okay but remember that the most important thing is the time you spent with your dad before his death. Sounds like he got to live his last days absolutely on his own terms, and nothing can take that away. Even if the funeral can't be 100% perfect, there will be other chances to commemorate his life.

[James Malloch]

Thanks for all the responses. If I’m testing negative by Friday I’d go, but fully masked and away from everyone at the ceremony.

I think if I am still testing positive then I might just watch the live stream (or hang in the doorway of the chapel if that is an option). Or maybe even go after everyone has left to say a final goodbye. There are too many relatives there who have their own illnesses whom I would hate to infect.

It would be sad to miss it, but at the same time I got to say my goodbyes in private to him before and after he died. I wrote a mini Eulogy of everything I wanted him to know and made sure he knew it whilst he was around too.

I’ve been thinking for a while that I feel like I’ve already had my own ceremony for him, and that the real one is more for everyone else who didn’t get to see him, or were there throughout without the space to process (my step mum).

Let’s see what the next few days bring…

[SamT]

So sorry to hear that James, super tough, but sounds like your dealing with the situation well and postively, which is good.  Well done   .

I had two 'covid' funerals, mother in law's, which me and my two sons had to miss and watch on a very glitchy live stream.  And one where we held the ceremony around the grave site, outdoors which, thanks to some kind weather, was as good as sitting in a church/crem whatever.  Fingers crossed the weather is fine for you too.

[James Malloch]

So sorry to hear that James, super tough, but sounds like your dealing with the situation well and postively, which is good.  Well done   .

Cheers! Can’t let something like this get you down!

We also had a few covid funerals. One step parent which we couldn’t make due to international travel rules, and my grandmother’s which was to do with numbers allowed.

For the former we went and had a little ceremony at the same time somewhere close to home. It was pretty nice really as we now have somewhere to go and sit and remember them.

I’m sure I’ll do the same on Friday if I can’t make it. I’ve got the beers that my dad got in for our last night together (he was too unwell to drink by that point) so sitting out on the moors somewhere with a beer would be a nice alternative.