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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Covid positive and working in education rules vs government rules

91 replies

MsWalterMitty · 26/03/2022 17:25

I tested positive last week, and my school rule is that we do not come in to work until 2x neg tests on consecutive days…. I know a lot of schools are doing this. So we’re forced to stay off on sick pay.

As we all know, it’s not a requirement to self isolate anymore, however I have for the past 4 days. Which was okay when my own kids were in school!

They’ve driven me mad today and I have literally no symptoms… despite still testing positive.

If I went out with the kids tomorrow for a bike ride in a quiet area, and…, I also have to go get some food supplies! Went in to the supermarket. Do you think I’d get bollocked for that by my managers?

The only reason I’m not in work is because of their rules.

OP posts:
Feenie · 26/03/2022 17:27

It’s not a legal requirement, but it’s nhs guidance - with good reason.

Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 26/03/2022 17:31

I understand the reasons behind the nhs guidance.

However, that hasn’t answered my question.

Thanks though x

OP posts:
OnceuponaRainbow18 · 26/03/2022 17:32

I didn’t go into work as a teacher with covid, but did take my kids out to exercise/play football/walk during that 10 days

Why sick pay? We get paid normal pay when off sick

Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 26/03/2022 17:33

Anyone a manager/slt in an education setting with the same rules able to tell me what their take Is on it? Thanks

OP posts:
MsMartini · 26/03/2022 17:34

You aren't in school to prevent you spreading covid there. Fair enough.

You can't catch covid as you've already got it - so I don't see what anything else has to do with your manager.

I'd go for the bike ride but really try to avoid the supermarket.

balalake · 26/03/2022 17:34

I am glad to read of your school having some care for their pupils and staff. Schools have a duty of care and are taking it seriously. Same applies with my employer who perhaps does not want anyone or one of their family to end up in hospital (two staff have died of Covid and three from suppliers, which is five too many).

Unlike the government, even though the Prime Minister ended up in hospital with Covid.

OnceuponaRainbow18 · 26/03/2022 17:35

There aren’t specific rules. Your school has said you can’t go in so don’t go in. The law is you don’t have to stay home so you don’t have to stay home. School can’t dictate what you do at home! I’m confused by your post.

Looneytune253 · 26/03/2022 17:35

It is still a requirement to self isolate in the guidance. It's just not law. A lot of people are interpreting it the same as you but the official guidance hasn't changed. I would still say the outdoorsy stuff is ok tho but not the shopping when you're Covid pos.

Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 26/03/2022 17:35

@OnceuponaRainbow18

I didn’t go into work as a teacher with covid, but did take my kids out to exercise/play football/walk during that 10 days

Why sick pay? We get paid normal pay when off sick

It has been normal pay for the past 2 yrs if off with Covid… but our company has now changed it back to normal rules for being off sick… which isn’t many days on normal pay.

Typical as I’ve not had Covid up until this point and not had a single day off work… whereas others have had it 3-4 times and been off for weeks on full pay!

OP posts:
The3Ls · 26/03/2022 17:36

I'm NHS we are still at home if household contact. I've daily tested but hundred percent gone about my normal life. I'm on full pay. I don't feel guilty it's there rule not mine. And completely ridiculous as I work in schools with children who are not remotely medically vunerable

Keenoonvino · 26/03/2022 17:36

.

Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 26/03/2022 17:37

@OnceuponaRainbow18

There aren’t specific rules. Your school has said you can’t go in so don’t go in. The law is you don’t have to stay home so you don’t have to stay home. School can’t dictate what you do at home! I’m confused by your post.
In my head this is what I’m thinking.

However, I’m paranoid that if a colleague sees me out I could end up with a disciplinary

OP posts:
Keenoonvino · 26/03/2022 17:38

Oops.

This is ridiculous. As soon as the bloody free tests end the better. What utter nonsense. People staying off sick disrupting education for kids when they are absolutely fine. I’d go and do anything you want to do.

Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 26/03/2022 17:38

@Looneytune253

It is still a requirement to self isolate in the guidance. It's just not law. A lot of people are interpreting it the same as you but the official guidance hasn't changed. I would still say the outdoorsy stuff is ok tho but not the shopping when you're Covid pos.
Thanks… I’ll send my 8yr old to the shop 😀
OP posts:
Feenie · 26/03/2022 17:39

I’m SLT - there would be no disciplinary, but I would privately not how irresponsible and stupid you were.

Feenie · 26/03/2022 17:39

*note

Keenoonvino · 26/03/2022 17:39

Honestly in 20 years we will look back at these decisions incredulous. Why did you even test if you don’t have symptoms? And if you’re fine, why did you even tell your employer you tested positive? Put the tests in the bloody bin.

Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 26/03/2022 17:40

@Keenoonvino

Oops.

This is ridiculous. As soon as the bloody free tests end the better. What utter nonsense. People staying off sick disrupting education for kids when they are absolutely fine. I’d go and do anything you want to do.

It’s-a small school, there are 4 of us off which has resulted in the closing of 2 classes!

I feel bad for wanting to go out!

OP posts:
Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 26/03/2022 17:40

@Feenie

I’m SLT - there would be no disciplinary, but I would privately not how irresponsible and stupid you were.
Fair enough
OP posts:
OnceuponaRainbow18 · 26/03/2022 17:41

@Feenie

Why?

Makes sense not to go into school with covid, as all in side, no distancing, masks, shit ventilation.

But why not a bike ride outdoors somewhere quiet with healthy children who need to exercise?

Keenoonvino · 26/03/2022 17:42

But I ask again- why on earth are you testing? I’m sure your head hasn’t shoved a stick up your nose….

Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 26/03/2022 17:42

@Keenoonvino

Honestly in 20 years we will look back at these decisions incredulous. Why did you even test if you don’t have symptoms? And if you’re fine, why did you even tell your employer you tested positive? Put the tests in the bloody bin.
It’s-a requirement of the school… twice weekly testing, which needs to be recorded. No way could I have said it was neg when it wasn’t…. That would be really unfair on everyone I work with. It’s sen (behaviour) so lots of close contact
OP posts:
Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 26/03/2022 17:43

@Keenoonvino

But I ask again- why on earth are you testing? I’m sure your head hasn’t shoved a stick up your nose….
Thanks for giving me a chance to answer Hmm
OP posts:
Newrumpus · 26/03/2022 17:43

You would be nothing wrong. You are comlpying with your work requirements and the law.

Feenie · 26/03/2022 17:43

@onceuponarainbow18 I was thinking more of the suggested supermarket visit.