Well, that's me home for another month - at least! 😒

[Moomin8]

Hi Peeps - hope this finds you well🙂

I work in a primary school, and as such am still at work - or I was until today.

I received a shielding email first thing Thursday morning, which I forwarded to my place of work. I had the option of signing a disclaimer letter to say that I'm happy to continue working, or choosing to not go in - from Monday.

Although I currently feel safe at work, from Monday I'm back on a course of 30mg Prednisolone for 7 days: I'm still flaring after some months and am struggling big time. I have had to, sadly, admit that I would be far more susceptible to any germs - let alone COVID-19.

So, I'll give as much remote support as I'm able to. Just so sad about not being there to support my colleagues 😞

[allanah]

Dont feel guilty. I'm sure they were wanting you to stay safe so you can go back in December x

[Moomin8 in reply to allanah]

Thank you for your kind words - it's still a tough decision though.

[allanah in reply to Moomin8]

Indeed . Before I got ill I was in ITU nurse manager, so I DO feel guilty too BUT dont want to end up as a patient!

[Moomin8 in reply to allanah]

Very true....when you put it like that.

[essexgirl]

Only you can look after you so Yh I would do the same

[Moomin8 in reply to essexgirl]

Strange, because I was adamant that I'd sign the disclaimer - but I just couldn't do it.

[Lolabridge]

I feel sure that's the right decision for you under the circumstances so try not to feel bad about it.

[Moomin8 in reply to Lolabridge]

Thanks. I suppose it's only us who knows how it is 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Lolabridge in reply to Moomin8]

Yes I was a teacher and my best friend is a teacher in a secondary school. She's working so hard at the moment and I worry about her because she's stressed and exhausted. At least from Monday she will be allowed to wear a mask in the corridors and stairwells when changing classrooms and the students will now all wear masks.

[Moomin8]

I thought all secondary schools had to wear masks in corridors etc already? It's so hard for teachers atm because we all have children at school and at home to try and keep on track. Hope your friend stays well. I use this at school: smilingmind.com.au/

It's a free mindfulness resource which might help x

[Kags1068]

Try not to feel too guilty - it's sounds like the wisest decision for you atm. You've also said you will offer as much remote support as you can, so like most teachers/school staff you'll probably still be doing stuff constantly anyway!😉

Take care and I hope you stay safe 🤞

[Smiler53]

You must look after yourself first. I'm sure they understand the situation you are in healthwise. 🤗

[Sheila_G]

That is difficult for you but you are definitely safer at home. It isn't your fault that you are vulnerable so be kind to yourself. It won't be forever

[Caribatty]

Moomin8, I know how you feel.

I work as a classroom TA and 1 to 1 and I got the letter on Thursday. I am on Biologics, Hydroxi and have been taking 5mgs of Prednisolone for years as haven’t been able to reduce dosage as get flares quickly. My school didn’t offer a disclaimer, they were very nice and told me to go home but you feel so bad, as you know schools struggle to cover teachers and TAs. I thought long and hard but really there is not social distance with the little ones and the cases are rising and if we get the virus, our immune system is going to find it hard to fight it. Work is going to be there, but you may not. Take care and be safe.

[Moomin8]

Thank you. It means a lot to hear that you are in the same boat and have had a similar experience. Primary schools are such lovely places to work💕Keep well x

[Leics]

You have to do what is right for yourself and others you live with. Please don’t feel guilty if you love your students so much and enjoy your work then you need to take the precautions it’s in everyone’s best interests.