To ignore BJ's COBRA advice to send kids to school whilst Rep of Ireland has closed schools for 2 weeks

[100percentSunshine]

Just interested to know how others feel....

We are all expecting the exponential growth of the Covid 19 to take place in the next 1- 2 weeks.

I was gobsmacked by today's news that following the COBRA meeting, BJ has resolved to keep schools open.

Is anyone considering keeping their child/ren off school despite government briefing?

Can I just remind people that although it maybe inconvenient schools aren't there as some kind of babysitting service and people actually have to staff the things.
Surely it is what is in the best interests of the nation and not how it might affect the wallet.

Presumably those of you keeping your children off school for an indefinite period are not expecting their teachers to help them catch up on all the learning they will miss?

No, because I need to work and if it gets worse I may need to take time off in the future if schools do close at some point. I cannot afford to keep DS home indefinitely.

If people want to and are able to keep their kids off though I think they should be allowed.

We told school that we’re self-isolating - they haven’t really said anything tbh. I assume we will get fined but happy to suck that up.

And yes we are totally self-isolating now. DH can work from home, I’m a SAHM. We’ve had groceries delivered to last us a couple of weeks and have cancelled all social plans. The kids are going to get a bit bored staying home, but fortunately I kept back some of their Christmas and birthday presents (they got ridiculous amounts from family) so have some new games etc to try and keep them happy.

We’re doing a bit of home educating so hopefully they don’t fall behind.

Why are our scientists and experts to be believed over ones from outside the UK?

I'm not an expert obviously but all the ones I've heard come across as very knowledgeable, very measured, very sensible. I'm bowing to their superior knowledge.

I don't know her name but one of the experts explained that different countries have different cultures and there isn't a one size fits all best response. To the

So all those saying yes they will keep them off are you to isolate them aswell no going out etc

if not whats the point

No.
I have one child doing GCSEs and the other has special needs and loves school. They need to be in school and I fully support the reasons why schools are not being closed yet.

I'm quite happy for ours to keep going for now, not for logistical reasons as I work in their school so if they are shut, so am I. We are an unusual location being on an island, and only have one case to date.

I expect we will end up being closed in the next week or so if things continue as they are, and we'll be ready for that as very recent home educators, but until then we'll all plod on.

What good is shutting down the schools for two weeks going to do?

Realistically, if nothing else closes, it's not going to help a lot.

But with other closures - non-essential workplaces, cinemas, pubs, shopping centres, libraries, gyms, pools, etc, a moratorium on social life would have the effect of slowing the spread.

My son will carry on attending school, he’s four and had asthma, I have diabetes. If I kept him off from school any time illnesses went round he would never be at school, especially during flu season.

If the government is right, and the peak is about 14 weeks away, then are you all planning to isolate yourselves for at least that long?

I don't understand Ireland for example. They've closed schools for a couple of weeks, but then what?

No. they will no doubt be sent home in due course, when required - sufficient unto the day, and all that!

Mine is staying off and I’ll pay the fine, talk to SS whatever. The thing with outbreaks is they’ve actually no clue who will be badly affected and who won’t. It won’t be one of mine because they won’t be exposed

Do you know how difficult it will be to keep this country running if parents have to stay home with kids?
Who will police our streets? Man our hospitals? Run the ambulance service? Look after the shops that supply our food etc
All these places are run by parents - if kids are home, parents stay home too.
Then the country really will be screwed.

@ChrissieKeller61 what about the influenza virus? That can make kids pretty poorly, even if vaccinated, will you isolate your children from that as well next winter? And what about the HPV virus? And all the other viruses?

To those of you placing your trust in the idea that the UK government is relying on expert epidemiologist opinion - what opinions do you think the Irish government is relying on?

@ChrissieKeller61 So none of you are leaving your home at all until no one in the UK have covid-19?

Don’t live in Ireland, so don’t know and it doesn’t directly affect me, the uk government does affect me though so I’ll follow their guidelines

Besides even staying home is no guarantee that someone with the bug hasn't touched your groceries before you do. Only makes sense to quarantine yourself if you are the one with the bug...

I’m worrying about one virus at a time @Giveitarest20, they cross roads too, travel in cars and what will be will be, but if it’s in my control and this is I’ll act in their best interests

I’m thinking of doing this, only for one of my children. Asthmatic with an autoimmune condition that flares up with viruses etc. Also, he is autistic and very tactile, doesn’t understand why he has to wash his hands etc

But how long are u keeping them off chrissie until its gone when is that exactly the peak wont be for weeks/months

I don't know her name but one of the experts explained that different countries have different cultures and there isn't a one size fits all best response.

And yet that's exactly what we're getting within the country - one size fits all. All the kids have to keep going to school because some parents need them for childcare, or because some parents would let their kids roam free mixing with each other anyway.

The OP didn't ask people "should schools be closed" - just what people might do given that they haven't been closed (yet), if that one size fits all decision doesn't work for their family.

@ChrissieKeller61 of course. Just intrigued - will you be allowing your family or children out of the house? If this goes on for a year will you maintain staying at home? I assume there will be no play dates or contact with other children. Genuinely interested

t.co/0vHdFHokhy this article is very interesting read... our government is basically doing crap all.. and not learning what other countries have gone through.. hell knows what science experts they are listening to.. but there are many out there who believe the plans they doing now is wrong.