Kids with covid - my DC has to isolate whilst sibling goes to school

[MeridasMum]

This is not a TAAT but I've been prompted to create this after reading another thread.

DD(9) has been tracked and traced because her friend has tested positive for covid.

They are not in the same class at school (we are in Scotland so back to school now) but were playing in a group together for a couple of hours in the open air.

The track and trace text tells us DD must have a PCR test, not LFT (which I have at home and it would give almost instant results) and, until we get a negative test, she must isolate.

Meanwhile, the sister of the child with covid (who she lives with) is still going to school while my child must stay home.

It's crazy! Is this correct under FM's guidelines?

AIBU to be furious (at the family's stupidity or the ridiculousness of the Scottish Governments rules)?

Does the sister have to have a PCR? I think it’s really irresponsible that people who live in a household with covid are now allowed to go about business as usual. If one of my kids is off with covid I will keep them both off school.

Presumably the sibling has had a negative PCR test which is why she doesn't need to isolate.

And if your child has a negative PCR test, she won't need to either.
LFT tests are notoriously inaccurate, which is why you can't use those.

An LFT isnt as accurate as a PCR. So you have to tale a PCR.

But in England if you are exempt contacts dont have to isolate- but are told to have a PCR.
So her sister must have had a PCR too?

I think it’s really irresponsible that people who live in a household with covid are now allowed to go about business as usual. If one of my kids is off with covid I will keep them both off school.

Good for you if you can but for most people, even if they can wfh to be with the child who has tested positive, their employer will expect them to send any child who can go, to school. Eg if you had an asymptomatic 12 year old who can amuse themselves while you work, most parents would need to send a younger sibling to school if permitted to as they need to work.

In England all close contacts who are vaccinated or children are supposed to take a PCR but are not supposed to isolate pending the results. No difference between family and other close contacts.

I am not sure if Scottish rules are different or maybe your text is giving you the advice for unvaccinated adults rather than children?

If the sister has had a PCR test, she's unlikely to have had results yet.

I took DD for PCR immediately and we are still waiting for results (I know it's not guaranteed that the sister hasn't heard but it's a good indicator of how long results are taking in my area). She was in school on the day the positive test came back for her sibling.

Oh I know I'm being a grump! I'm just so annoyed by the whole thing

Sounds ridiculous but yes if sibling’s had a pcr maybe that’s why and your child can have one quickly too.

Maybe she was tested at the same time as sibling?

Under 18 + negative PCR means no isolation. I get your frustration!

The sister of the child should be taking a PCR too or already has. If they test negative they can go back to school

LFT are not reliable enough to say for sure that you are negative so that's why its a PCR that's required

Sister of the child that test positive won’t be able to return to school without a negative PCR.
Your child is a close contact so has to do the same.
Results coming back here (city in Scotland) within 24 hours currently.

@NoIDontWatchLoveIsland yes you’re right I have the choice but I’m a childminder so if anyone in my house tests positive I have to close my business and I won’t get paid so it’s not as plain sailing as it seems.

Perhaps the sibling was tested at the same time as the one that tested positive.

I agree the whole situation of who isolates/doesn't isolate is beyond crazy now.

Not sure if this is the case for Scotland but at least in England you don't have to isolate while you wait for the results of a PCR if you have been identified as a close contact.

@Wowthisisreal

Not sure if this is the case for Scotland but at least in England you don't have to isolate while you wait for the results of a PCR if you have been identified as a close contact.

The text I received was very clear.

In all honesty, I'm so glad it was clear as I've not been keeping up with the many changes to the rules!

In scotland you self isolate and take a PCR test.
If you're double-vaxxed or under 18, you can stop isolating with a negative test.
All others must continue to isolate for the given period (in our case, the date supplied was 1 week after potential transmission)

@Wowthisisreal

Not sure if this is the case for Scotland but at least in England you don't have to isolate while you wait for the results of a PCR if you have been identified as a close contact.

Is this accurate? If you're not double jabbed, you would still need to isolate, even after a negative PCR?

Why are Royal Mail involved?

@Wowthisisreal

Not sure if this is the case for Scotland but at least in England you don't have to isolate while you wait for the results of a PCR if you have been identified as a close contact.

I think the negative test in Scotland releases you from isolation so you do need to isolate pending the results

www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-test-and-protect/

Sister probably had PCR when sib who tested positive did - they offer to test the entire family when you book a symptomatic test!

It's likely both siblings were tested at the same time.