I’m a teacher. Just received the dreaded phone call that several children in my class have tested positive. Luckily (and most importantly) they are all fine-mild symptoms/asymptomatic. Myself and my whole class now have to isolate over Christmas. I know this year has been terrible for many people and lots of people have endured much worse so I’m trying to keep this in perspective. However, I live alone and now have to spend Christmas completely on my own. The children in my class (only year 1 so Christmas is obviously at the centre of their little worlds at the moment) will be so upset as I know how many of them were looking forward to seeing grandparents etc. I’ve had a really difficult year with my own mental health issues and struggling massively with isolation during the first lockdown which put me in a very desperate state. I was so looking forward to seeing family that I haven’t seen for months.
I’ve loved being back in the classroom this term. I have fully supported schools being open and have tried to minimise the risk where possible (loads of hand washing etc) but social distancing with 5 and 6 year olds is impossible. I’m not angry with anyone in particular but I feel frustrated that if we’d have broken up just one week earlier then this could all have been avoided. It just feels like the worst possible timing. I’m dreading the next 10 days and especially Christmas now. Can’t even get a food delivery because of them all being booked up so hoping a friend can drop some bits over.
PS I’ve name changed as not sure how outing this could be (hopefully not too many people are in the same situation!)