Back to school

[quebec]

Hi, does anyone else with scleroderma have children going back to school? I have 2 teens going back, one to a sixth form college in a nearby city, the other to local high school. They will be exposed to a large group of people for the first time since March, as we have been very careful to stay out of circulation. Like me, oldest had a shielding letter (due to bronchiectasis) and the college are trying to sort out provision for remote learning if needed but all students have to attend initially. The high school have told us that all children must return or we will be fined. The school is crammed full, so their Covid plan is 30 children per classroom with no space for social distancing, window and door open for ventilation and some hand gel as mitigation factors. They stay in the same chair in the same room all day (including for break and lunch) except to visit the bathroom. No testing unless symptomatic, and no isolation unless they have symptoms or positive test. No precautionary isolation if someone in class has it unless they sit next to them.

They need to be back in education and seeing their friends, but I’m not convinced the measures will stop the virus spreading among the students/staff and coming home with them.

I’d be interested to hear how other parents with underlying health conditions like scleroderma are handling this situation

[momo17]

Hi, my daughter went back on 12th August to second year high school as we live in Scotland. I have systemic sclerosis and have been shielding up until August 1st.

I made the decision to isolate from her in the house etc, which is very hard n a lot of cleaning. Means ventilating all rooms, disinfecting any surfaces she’s been near, all door handles etc, keeping away from all her stuff and making sure we don’t share anything.

I have given her her own alcohol wipes n cleaner to use if she is in the bathroom n I don’t know what’s she’s touched.

Like I say, it’s a massive amount of work n maybe sounds extreme to some but I feel it’s the only way as despite all the school measures, I don’t think it’s enough to feel safe.

Good luck with their return. They do need a routine but not great for people like ourselves!

[tanya1981]

Hi Quebec, this is not unusual- in my children’s primary school precautions are very much the same (plus more frequent hand washing as I hear). I feel 6 Months have been more than enough and children need to get back into some of their routines ... regular disinfection Upon return to home and immediate change of clothes (And washing of those) should help.

Tanya