Underlying health conditions

[NellyGrace]

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/New-Rochelle_Community_Mitigation.pdf

Page 5.

I need to write to school with a reason for taking DD out. She has brain damage from birth and an EHCP.

Neurological conditions have not been mentioned as an underlying health condition yet - but they are here.

I'm not sure what this document is. It was posted on a FB page connected with DD's condition.

Does anyone know where it comes from and whether it's trustworthy?

It looks like it's from the Centre for Disease Control in the US. Yes, I'd say trustworthy.

I do not trust that schools have the ability to keep students and staff with underlying health conditions safe. I would try to take some medical advice specific to your child and her condition, but I would probably err on the side of not sending her to school.

It’s an American document, from the Centre for Disease Control. New Rochelle is a city in New York. This is a proposed plan to mitigate the risks of coronavirus there.

It may not be accepted by anyone in the UK yet, as it appears to be their own research and inferences rather than anything from WHO or that our Gov has agreed with, but if you’ve already decided to take your DD out; you could use this to attempt to back up your decision. I’d just make it clear that it wasn’t solely based on this, so that it doesn’t become an argument on US v UK views on the virus.

It's from the USA. The CDC is American. At present the UK isn't following the same guidelines. Why do you want o take DD out of school? Schools have to follow UK guidance on this not those from another country

I don’t think you really need to give a reason. I’ve pulled my 2 out from tomorrow. I work in infectious diseases so have professional expertise that means I think the government approach is mad. But when it comes to my dc, it’s a personal choice and I don’t really care what they think.

What are homeschooling laws in the UK like? If they are relatively low stress, could parents with children in higher risk categories remove their children from school without penalty with the intention of homeschooling? Obviously temporarily?

There are plenty of homeschoolers on Mumsnet. I bet we could have a thread up and running with ideas for children at home without LA 'permission'. Lots of free and high quality education resources out there.

mindutopia

Can I ask you a question re staff with underlying conditions, given you have experience in the area? Should we be at school?

(Sorry to hijack NellyGrace)

Don't worry janeskettle - this was a thread for everyone not just me.

Thank you for everyone for letting me know where this document comes from.

I want to take DD out because she is likely to have a worse reaction to Covid 19. Her immunity is always weaker - she gets things worse - and also has some epilepsy which is I imagine could be made worse by this virus.

In short I am scared that she will suffer and then not be treated in hospital when there is a shortage of beds as she is one of the weaker patients/less likely to recover.

Janeskettle - your question about staff with underlying conditions and whether they should be at school is very important.

Thanks NellyGrace

Best of luck with keeping your daughter at home.