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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 20:57

When isolating became a legal requirement, I couldn’t understand why - surely people have common sense?

Now the legal requirement isn’t there, but the guidance is and is ignored, I get it.

theluckiest · 26/03/2022 21:00

I'm SLT and professionally, yes...you need to isolate to avoid spreading it to others.

Which leads me to Point B, my personal reason: if you disregard the rules you could give it to my immuno-suppressed family member who could end up in hospital as his immune system is fucked due to chemo if he gets it.

So yeah, rules are there for a reason.

Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 26/03/2022 21:00

@Feenie

When isolating became a legal requirement, I couldn’t understand why - surely people have common sense?

Now the legal requirement isn’t there, but the guidance is and is ignored, I get it.

It’s mainly because I have kids and no dh
OP posts:
Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 26/03/2022 21:01

@theluckiest

I'm SLT and professionally, yes...you need to isolate to avoid spreading it to others.

Which leads me to Point B, my personal reason: if you disregard the rules you could give it to my immuno-suppressed family member who could end up in hospital as his immune system is fucked due to chemo if he gets it.

So yeah, rules are there for a reason.

That’s what I’m trying to figure out… how far do the rules extend?
OP posts:
Feenie · 26/03/2022 21:13

You don’t have to go shopping because you have kids and no dh.

Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 26/03/2022 21:32

@Feenie

You don’t have to go shopping because you have kids and no dh.
I meant the whole isolation in general… It’s hard work!
OP posts:
Madrenetterhere · 26/03/2022 21:43

What are the chances you will be at the shop the same time as a colleague? Can't you just do an online shop tonight for delivery tomorrow? Go do something outdoorsy with kids tomorrow if u need to get out.

Mariposista · 26/03/2022 21:53

Go out, clear your head and get some exercise! Don't feel guilty, you're not breaking the law. The school has one rule, the country has another, you are perfectly within both. Have a nice day and hope you keep feeling well.

TheHoleNineYards · 26/03/2022 22:02

Wait. Are you a teacher in the UK? But being paid statutory sick pay? (As opposed to ‘off sick but still being paid’?) if so, you have a much bigger problem than how to get your groceries! Contact your union ASAP.

Nightlystroll · 26/03/2022 22:14

I think you're cheeky. You're being paid to stay at home so you don't spread it around. And yet you think it's OK to go out and... spread it around. Actually, I think you're beyond cheeky.

HavenHa · 26/03/2022 22:45

@TheHoleNineYards

Wait. Are you a teacher in the UK? But being paid statutory sick pay? (As opposed to ‘off sick but still being paid’?) if so, you have a much bigger problem than how to get your groceries! Contact your union ASAP.
We can't seem to get to the bottom of that one....a teacher who works for a company....possibly.... but not confirmed
SummerDays2020 · 26/03/2022 22:45

I think ultimately school don't have jurisdiction when you are at home.

But...you think it's hard work being home from work, not unwell and with your DC at school M-F. Try being properly unwell with Covid and then Long Covid, all the while having your DC at home 24/7 and being expected to home-school them! Wink

xsquared · 26/03/2022 22:45

@Nightlystroll She's not being paid to stay at home on a Sunday though is she?

I'm in the same position as you , day 6 for me and shock horror, I've been out for a walk in the nature reserve everyday at lunch time, since testing positive. I've even waved at my colleagues when I went out on Friday back from a long run.

Not been in crowded areas or inside a building though. I

DH is away this weekend with DD and they both tested negative before they went, so I know I'm doing a good job of not spreading it in my own house let alone outside where I'm definitely not in close contact for transmission.

OP, just use your common sense. Go out with your kids for some fresh air as long as you avoid close contact with others. I would avoid the supermarket and do that via click and collect though which is done outside.

Hope you feel better soon.

Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 27/03/2022 08:25

TheHoleNineYards
Wait. Are you a teacher in the UK? But being paid statutory sick pay? (As opposed to ‘off sick but still being paid’?) if so, you have a much bigger problem than how to get your groceries! Contact your union ASAP.

We can't seem to get to the bottom of that one....a teacher who works for a company....possibly.... but not confirmed

Yes. I am a teacher in a private school. We do not work for normal teacher pay and conditions. Such as I am not entitled to ppa or fullpay when sick. I realise that many teachers would be outraged by this, however I have a great work life balance.

OP posts:
Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 27/03/2022 08:27

@SummerDays2020

I think ultimately school don't have jurisdiction when you are at home.

But...you think it's hard work being home from work, not unwell and with your DC at school M-F. Try being properly unwell with Covid and then Long Covid, all the while having your DC at home 24/7 and being expected to home-school them! Wink

I’m lucky that I never had to home school mine… as a key worker I worked my normal hours throughout. As my school didn’t close due to it being sen.

However, I do find it tricky entertaining 2 kids on the weekend when stuck in the house

OP posts:
robocracker · 27/03/2022 10:54

[quote OnceuponaRainbow18]@robocracker

Wtf.. a voiceover?!!! Maybe covid shrunk her brain[/quote]
Lol she is actually very supportive vocally but I think because of that she thinks she's motivating everyone else to give more. She also lives and breathes teaching (very present positive presence in the school but.....) I'm only actually contracted 2 days a week so I'm very careful not to do an unequal amount of work outside of school (2 days =2 evenings work + a bit more round assessment time imo) if I'd made the voiceovers I'd be doing extra work when I'm ill as well!

I did check the work from last years lockdown to see if I could steal a video or 2 but there were none on current topics so tough shit!

My cover is always excellent anyway there's nothing worse than 2 lines on a scrap of paper or textbook work for a double lesson!

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