To isolate or not

[pinkpip100]

Just interested in what others would do in this situation. On Sunday we had a letter from the school which dd (year 7) & ds (year 9) attend. It said that due to a rapid increase in positive cases across multiple year groups and including several staff, the school would be closing a week early for the half term break. It also said that due to such widespread transmission, all students are recommended to self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of whether they have had confirmed contact with a positive test. This advice apparently came from Public Health England who have been working closely with the school.
So, would you insist that your dc isolate in this situation? Or as it is only a 'recommendation' would you let them carry on as normal (especially given that it will be half term next week)?

(For full disclosure: I told my dc they have to isolate, although was thinking they could come out for exercise/family bike ride/family walks etc, as long as we stay away from others; I have been blown away by how many of my dc's friends are not isolating at all, parents quite happy for them to continue socialising as normal. Now I'm worried that I am too strict/cautious. We are in a tier 1 area but with rapidly rising cases at the moment)

(For full disclosure: I told my dc they have to isolate, although was thinking they could come out for exercise/family bike ride/family walks etc, as long as we stay away from others;
So, firstly you tell your DC one thing but plan to do another so they will:

1. Be confused about what self-isolation actually means.
2. Learn that they cannot rely on you to mean what you say and say what you mean.

You have clearly already decided that your DC aren't going to properly self-isolate so it makes your question of whether to SI or not pointless.

I wouldn't put myself or my family on house arrest unless it was legally required. We don't socialise so don't have to worry about that.

I thought only to isolate if been in close proximity? Ds has 2 cases in his Yr group. But only those in close proximity have to isolate. He's not one of those.. He's year 10

Family
My son in year 10 and the whole of his year have had to isolate. He has not been in direct contact either , so 188 of them. Maybe depends on area? We are in Wales

To answer your question OP, I would try and find out if possible if your children's bubbles contained anyone that tested positive. If not then I can see no need to isolate

If PHE is advising SI then I think that needs to be taken seriously.

You say advice 'apparently' came from PHE. Why is it not clear who has made the recommendation?

(Agree with PP that you should not say you are SI when you plan to be out and about).

@Youandmeareluckytobeus

(For full disclosure: I told my dc they have to isolate, although was thinking they could come out for exercise/family bike ride/family walks etc, as long as we stay away from others; So, firstly you tell your DC one thing but plan to do another so they will:

1. Be confused about what self-isolation actually means.
2. Learn that they cannot rely on you to mean what you say and say what you mean.

You have clearly already decided that your DC aren't going to properly self-isolate so it makes your question of whether to SI or not pointless.

@Youandmeareluckytobeus I think that is harsh. Both dc are old enough to understand that they have not been asked to isolate because they have had close contact with a confirmed case (in which case they would absolutely not be going anywhere); instead, it is a blanket recommendation aimed at trying to reduce the levels of infection potentially in circulation before the school reopens after half term. I completely support this and was initially thinking both dc would just stay at home completely, but given that the majority of their friends' parents are taking the view that 'it's only a suggestion so we won't be following it', allowing them out for exercise would be a reasonable compromise. It would in effect be like putting our family under tier 3 restrictions for 2 weeks, which surely is far better than just letting them carry on as normal (and 'normal' would involve lots of socialising for both dc, as they would usually meet up with friends several times over half term)?

I've decided to give our local public health office a call and clarify exactly what is meant in this case - and will follow whatever advice they give. I just wish other parents would do the same.

Seriously, just take thebeffing advice and isolate. You are not special. You can play a part in potentially reducing transmission or you can be a selfish twat.

@ScrabApple

Seriously, just take thebeffing advice and isolate. You are not special. You can play a part in potentially reducing transmission or you can be a selfish twat.

Wow, ok firstly if you read my last post, I have every intention of following the advice once I have spoken to PHE to clarify it. I posted to get a sense of whether my judgement in keeping my kids at home was sound, as most other parents I know of aren't bothering as their children haven't had close contact with a positive case.

Thanks to others who replied.

Seriously, just take thebeffing advice and isolate.

Do you just do whatever you're told. All the time @ScrabApple?

It's a good thing to question rules and what you're being told to do, you know? When people don't do this - we end up with people like Hitler in charge. That's how dictators get power - when people don't question anything.

I've decided to give our local public health office a call and clarify exactly what is meant in this case - and will follow whatever advice they give. I just wish other parents would do the same

Sounds very sensible and I hope they provide clear advice.

It also said that due to such widespread transmission, all students are recommended to self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of whether they have had confirmed contact with a positive test. This advice apparently came from Public Health England who have been working closely with the school.

This seems sensible advice. The less contact, the less the virus can transmit, including asymptomatically.

I think the statement “recommended to self isolate” is the school hoping that students will do this.

I would do exactly what you are proposing - basically isolate your kids from socialising with others but let them go out for exercise with you/their own family. I think it is a good common sense proposition. We are in the London area and kids are not meant to be socialising in each other’s houses. Unfortunately we are also hearing about others breaking the rules but I have told my kids (similar ages) we will be following the guidance. They have also said x is doing a sleepover etc why can’t we etc.. but I am standing firm (my kids have friends in neighbouring boroughs who can still only follow the rule of 6). Ignore the vicious poster above, there seem to be a couple on all threads now - these people must be so bored and having nothing much in their lives except for trolling the internet and spouting vitriol, feel quite sorry for them really.

Your approach sounds sensible and reasonable. Qualities lacking in some posters.

I would also do what you are proposing. Stay away from other families as much as is reasonable but encourage lots of outdoor walks, fresh air etc as you might have a proper self isolation situation very soon.

Thank you - I really appreciate your replies.