I have Asthma and COPD. I am a teacher and am worried about being in school and the threat of Coronavirus. Should I self-isolate?

[RichEm]

Self-isolation.

[cofdrop-UK]

Yes I certainly do Rich. I think it is only a matter of time before the schools close in any event. My daughter is an Assistant Head in a primary school in a deprived area. Some of the teachers are having to self isolate and out of a school of 700, 100 plus have taken their kids out already. They are complaining that the school is risking their kids health, as if the school makes the rules!

Kids are at less risk apparently but nobody knows if they are carrying. Unfortunately teachers, along with nurses, doctors and emergency services cannot work from home unless the whole school is ordered to close, when I guess work will be done online.

I hope you decide to isolate as you are in an at risk group.

Good luck

Cx

[Hidden in reply to cofdrop-UK]

All Welsh and Scottish schools are closing from Friday. I'm guessing under that pressure the government may have to follow suit! My advice as a fellow COPD emphysema sufferer and ex teacher is Health comes first!

[Hidden]

Without a doubt. Your health is at risk. I was a teacher and ended up with swine flu which finished my teaching career. Be safe . 👍

[powderpuff]

A definite yes, I think you should. Your vulnerable & teachers pick up everything going anyway never mind having lung disease as well.

[Caspiana]

Yes!!! I was a teacher too. And if I was still teaching now, well.... I just wouldn't. It's not forever RichEm . xx 👋😊

[Kristicats]

I would. You have to look after yourself. Cx

[Yatzy]

Yes, Rich, you’ve only got one life, and one family. I was a committed teacher too, but in this unique situation with my lungs as they are now, I would have to self isolate. Desperate times, desperate measures 😷

[Crankshaft]

Wouldn’t even have to think about it. Definitely self isolate as much as possible as I am in a similar situation. My opinion as far as I am concerned it would be a death sentence! Stay at home Rich Em x

[illawarra]

Yes I would self isolate. Don't risk your health.

[Jasmine12345]

Yes you definitely should self isolate. Your well-being, your life comes first....... it's that simple.

[Firefly25]

Yes! I am a primary school teacher with bronchiectasis. I called the gp last Friday because I was concerned as we have several staff and children self isolating and he signed me off for 2 weeks saying schools would probably close after that. Yesterday the NEU sent an email to all members saying that anyone with underlying health issues should not go into work after next Monday at the very latest. Check their website. I really feel for you- I know childcare is needed for key workers but hopefully schools can be run on a skeleton staff by the least vulnerable! Take care and good luck.

[Hummingbird2]

Yes I would self isolate. I also have those two ailments

[anng18]

Yes Rich - definitely self isolate.

I was also a teacher and the classic scenario seemed to be - come the holidays, I became ill. I continued for many years with the yo-yo of go to work - get another chest infection for the holidays - back to work.

The problem is we seem to be guilt tripped into going to work when we are not well.

However, with this new pandemic, I would say you've to look after yourself, first.

Does it really matter if pupils education is delayed by a few months - only to those people that deal in harsh statistics.

Take care and don't feel guilty - it's not your fault.

[Aingeful]

I have two daughters in the teaching profession.One is immune compromised due to Crohn's. She is off school and has also self quarantined her daughters with the Head's blessing. My other daughter has the virus and is quite poorly.This is a time to take care of yourself!x

[Hidden in reply to Aingeful]

So sorry to hear that, sending the very best wishes and strength to you and wishing your daughter a speedy recovery. 💕

[Response]

I would!

And now!

We don't need permission to save our lives. Plus on a logical community point, if you catch it, you'll put a greater strain on the NHS so there's no need to feel guilty.

I think young healthy teachers can cover for you. Schools elsewhere in the world are closed (although I see the argument for them being open as no child care brings other issues.) They will probably close the schools soon anyway so taking an extra week if wise in your circumstance.

But it's your risk to decide.

[stamford1234]

to self isolate is the current advice. Your health is very important

[Schmu]

No one is going to school in Illinois, where I am from. The teachers are sending e-learning lessons and we are on our second day. Its fun, and we aren't spreading the virus around. It will get better, but only if we stop the spread.

[Daffodil51]

I’d say without a doubt. The harsh fact is- you may not be able to teach for a while but you’ll still be here and able to teach when the danger passes. I recently took early retirement from teaching because of the guilt I felt every time I was off sick with a chest infection ( same conditions as you). I might just add, the guilt was self inflicted as I had an amazingly understanding head. Take care.