Exemption from self isolation for disabled child

[whenitsallgoingsowell]

I have found a brief paragraph about exemptions from the 14 day self-isolation period for those with disabilities. It basically says try your best but it is recognised certain people won't be able to do 14 days. I wondered if anyone had a link to any more detailed information or had more information? Or experience?

Someone has tested positive with whom my DS was not in direct contact but on a bus with. He is meant to self-isolate for 14 days but he has very complex needs and cannot stay in the home for a full day. We will have to go out but want to have the full exemption info to hand in case anything arises.

If you've never experienced living with someone non-verbal, severely autistic with zero awareness of danger and no understanding of language then I get that you may not understand why he needs to be able to leave the house but that's not the query here. Be kind

Yes. The guidance allows for some differentiation around children with additional needs - so its up to you to determine what it means by 'as much as you are able.' It helps if the ECHP has something in about needing stable routines, access to movement breaks, outdoors etc. You can also ask you GP to write a letter of you feel that would help you/reassure you that you are not breaking the rules - but I don't think this is necessary.

But basically you need to develop a routine that works for you and your child, but that keeps them socially distanced from others at all times. So driving to a quiet park/woods for walks, or going out at times of day where there are not many people around. Use social stories to explain why you can't go on play equipment, or into shops, interact with others.

Good luck, its really tough situation.

I don't think there is anything more. It's what it says it. Do your best. Also avoid contact with others if possible. So if you need to visit a health professional try and make arrangements eg can they come out to your car etc. If you need to exercise find somewhere quiet.

Risk of harm is one of the specified exemptions for leaving self isolation.

Thanks. Wanted to check I had not missed anything. I'm hoping it's vague for the flexibility to meet individual needs. We're aiming for one walk a day on the moors.

I'm a single parent who does usually earn a decent wage so not on any benefits except DLA. However been unable to work for most of lockdown and entitled to no financial support. This next two weeks of not working is going to be a killer financially again, along with the mental impact of being at home. I can't afford a fine but can't afford the impact on his well being and mine of being in for 14 days.

It's fairly clear, if you need to take him out for a walk or something while keeping as much distance as possible from others, then that's just what you need to do. As his primary carer you're best placed to decide what's best for him. If you're particularly anxious then you could talk to your local community support officer to let them know what you've read and what you plan to do; they should be able to reassure you.

(And if it's pre-approved by police then there's no way a fine would stick.)

I read yesterday that if a person is found to be out when they should be self isolating, the local authority are consulted to see if they know of a reasonable excuse why the person might be out. Only if there isn't will the police be involved and potentially a fine.

Thanks. Is that the usual PCSO or a specific Covid community officer? I'm not sure even who to ring about my questions 🙄 had nothing other than a phone call from school transport.

You can call your usual PCSO, they should be able to reassure you. You're being perfectly reasonable. (If they don't reassure you, then escalate it.)

My son also has severe non verbal autism during lockdown I know we were able to travel further because of disabilities ,so I assume there will be the same sort of exemptions now?

I too have disabled children the regulations are not very specific but I understand it as you can take your child for a drive or to a remote park etc. You still cannot obviously take them anywhere there would be other people so no where indoors or play parks. And no public transport.