Going back to work as a teacher. ..advice appreciated!

[Tuathana]

Hi everyone. I'm wondering if anyone has feedback about risks of going back to work with the spread of omicron. I am a teacher (grade 4/5) in Canada. Omicron is spreading in our province as everywhere else. I have 26 students in a room with little ventilation. They all wear masks, but when they have lunch in the room, they have them off for 20 minutes. My copd is moderate at 65 percent. I am on the spiriva respimat inhaler. I ordered n95 masks to go back to school on January 10th, but to be honest, I am terrified. They are no longer going to do contact tracing in the schools, and I live in a largely anti-vaxxing community. I should mention that I just got my pfizer booster yesterday. Any thoughts or opinions on whether I should brave it and go back, or try to go on leave for a couple of weeks to see how things play out? I have barely taken sick leave in 29 years of teaching.

[sassy59]

Honestly? I’d steer clear of the school and l worry about you in a community of anti vaxxers. See if you can take time off for a while. Take a step back. Xxx

[Tuathana in reply to sassy59]

Thank you Sassy!

[Troilus]

I’d give it a bit more time. If you have just had your booster that needs time to kick in. Also, it will give you time to see how the infection rate goes in your area.

[Tuathana in reply to Troilus]

I'm thinking maybe a week or two as well. Thanks so much Troilus!

[CDPO16]

The pfizer booster is said to give good protection against omnicrom but take leave if you can for as long as you can. Schools in particular are a great source of infection. Best wishes.

[Tuathana in reply to CDPO16]

Thanks for your response! They are definitely a Petrie dish at the best of times!

[Bevvy]

Ultimately you will get a huge variety of answers on any sites you go on to. Personally I believe that as I am fully vaccinated with booster I am as safe as am going to be and life is for living. Yes I no longer work (medically retired due to COPD AND other health issues last year) but am going to be sensible and try to get on with things as much as possible. I believe that Omicron IS less risky than previous strains but more transmissible.

With specific queries about work - are you in a union who can support you? Can you discuss situation with management? What about occupational health? If all the children are wearing masks you are protected to a great extent. Could you change classrooms so that yours can be ventilated? If not can they eat elsewhere? Or can room be ventilated with window for 10 mins or so after eating?

Here in UK we have Equality Act and under that you have a right to reasonable adjustments due to your health issues. Do you have the same in Canada?

I would think it is reasonable to go off work sick (if gp will sign you off) until you have assurances from school management that provisions are put in to place to ensure your safety and piece of mind.

[Tuathana in reply to Bevvy]

I have been teaching during covid at school for the last few years, but the province is ripping away safety nets it seems. I have a union I have emailed and am just waiting for them to get back to me with options. I will contact my employers directly after they give me some advice on options for sure. I appreciate all the good questions and things to consider, Bevvy. I appreciate different responses, as it gives me an idea of what others might do, and also good ideas to think about. Thanks so much, Becky! I appreciate it!

[Tugun]

hi,

I agree with sassy59 - don't put yourself in line to get Covid. Look after your health. It would be a definite strain to be worrying each day about whether or not you are going to catch it from the children.

[Tuathana in reply to Tugun]

Yes, exactly what I have been thinking. There's living your life, and then there's putting yourself in an extreme situation, and I actually don't know how well I will sleep with worry.

[Greenthorn]

Hi Tuathana, I believe Bevvy has given you a very comprehensive answer, full of good advice. I'm a hospital volunteer and visit elderly patients one morning each week. I wear a mask and a visor and I'm encouraged to take a lateral flow test before travelling in. Once on the ward, I'm within 1-2 metres of the patients. I'm FULL of confidence in my role and believe, like Bevvy, that life is meant for living. Of course the wards are spotlessly clean and yet there have been Covid outbreaks. When that happens the ward is closed to visitors.I believe the school has an obligation to answer the questions Bevvy has raised. The school has a duty of care towards all staff and should take all reasonable steps to minimise risks of Covid transmission. And I think Bevvy's suggestions are reasonable!

[Tuathana]

Thank you! Yes, it gives me a lot to work with and look into. I will definitely be emailing my board of education once I have heard from the union, and go from there! I'm glad I have some time to work on this for sure. They have definitely ripped away safety nets and although my class is good at following protocols, they are kids. My school also isn't so prompt at sending home sick kids, if at all. I have one that doesn't wear a mask because of health reasons and he has a constant slight cough and wheeze. Desks are also squeezed in. I will continue to look into it and try to make a solid decision based on what I'm told by my union and board. Thanks so much, I appreciate it.

[Alberta56]

I would stay out of school for as long as possible.

[Tuathana in reply to Alberta56]

Thanks Albert!

[Patk1]

I'd stay masked up and air the room with Windows opened at least a little- periodically at least x

[Kristicats]

I think the next few weeks will be heavy traffic in the covid road so if you can delay it would be wise. I’m also due back to frontline nursing on 10th and May have to delay as I have covid at the moment.

I would certainly check out the covid plan at school to keep you safe esp the ventilation and distancing rules and make sure your pupils adhere to them. Do you personally have to be around them whilst they are eating/ not wearing masks?