Hand hold please

[Suzyeve]

I'm scared. I go back to work on Monday, in a school. I'm not a teacher but I can't socially distance, and deal with intimate needs. I don't want to spell out my job for fear for being identified.
I've spoken to my dh about it and he basically tries to skim over things. My wages are very useful, though I think we could skim by without. Then again I think going to work gives my kids confidence, def helps financially, gives me purpose. I'm torn. I really can't work out how much I'm at risk. I do wear a visor at times, but not always possible, I work in a primary school, I'm obese, but not severely, I have an autoimmune disease, but not in the high risk categories. I'm in my 40s. I just can't decide whether to just hope and carry on, especially as we have primary and senior school aged children who might be putting us at risk anyway. Or give it up, even though the job really suits me and we will struggle, plus it might be for nothing if we get it anyway, through our kids or shopping etc.
We're in a tier 4 area.
Maybe I just need understanding. I know it's not really a back and white situation. I'm sorry to those who are in a worse situation, I really am. My thoughts and well wishes go out to you. Thanks for reading. Just needed somewhere to say how I feel xx

I'm sorry, OP. I can well understand you being worried.

I hope you can talk to your dh properly - does he understand how much this is affecting you?

I would always follow my gut instinct, fwiw. Your choice, your decision, your health.

ArabellaScott thank you x

For a non teaching salary I wouldn't be going back. You'd definitely be safer working in social care for a similar wage. Hang fire though, things might change.

I can only give my advice and wouldn’t go back, health is more important than anything

Go on the sick, hopefully you get sick pay, but please don't put your health at risk for others.

You sound like you’re worried. That means you’ll be stressed. That means lower immune system response. You should stay off with stress.

Thank you everyone. You have helped me to know that I'm not being unreasonable about how I feel. I will be doing a lot of thinking today x

I guess it depends on your senior leadership team but can you talk to one of them at all about your fears?

I know at our school the head and deputy have spoken over the last term ( and this holiday) to any staff who have fears/concerns. They have tried to help where they can - so we have some staff members who do wear masks for example, tried to facilitate changes in duties/modifications if at all possible ( although sometimes it really isn’t). I know not all ELTs are doing this though.

The other option is to speak to your GP - if your anxiety is severe you could potentially be signed off.

For what it's worth, OP, I am similar age, healthy but a bit fat. I had it last year and was horribly ill, also took a long time to recover, shortness of breath, energy etc. I would absolutely not risk hving it again unless the reason was of utmost importance- family's health, loss of essential livelihood, etc.

Don’t go off sick unless you’re actually sick, and no being a bit worried isn’t stress. Sometimes I wonder about the advice on here!

In terms of your risk, you will be at a bit higher risk but still pretty low. Can you wear a proper mask though instead of a visor? Visors don’t do much at all, you may as well not wear anything.

I get it.

I work in special education. Cannot fault our head as the RA is fantastic.
But the risk cannot be fully negated whatever because our secondary pupils (who I work with) won't be tested (it's schools choice and many if ours won't tolerate it), won't dose whatever the situation and as much as you say SD from other staff (can and do) we cannot change the pupils needs.

I haven't been worried up until now - even working through wave 1.

But our cases are highest they've even been and rising rapidly.

Hi,

Thanks for your replies.

I think they probably will allow me to wear a mask now, at first it was only a visor, because they like the children to be able to see your face. I still feel quite exposed as do get close enough for children to cough sneeze and scream in your face. They are young children so they don't think not to and are often upset.

Arabella Scott, sorry to hear how poorly you were, hope you've fully recovered.

It'sgettingweird, I feel for you. We've had quite a lot of cases where I work, staff and pupils.. I think it's put everyone on edge and with a feeling of its only a matter of time. All the best with your situation.

Thanks all. I'd say I'm between just worried and it beginning to feel like genuine stress, not sleeping etc. Lots of thinking to do.

I would carry on working, but only if I were provided with mask, apron, gloves and visor. Including regular changes, and a place to wash your hands.

THat would put you on a par with NHS clinicians caring for patients, including covid +ve patients. Given you're managing "intimate needs" of the kids you look after, I think that's fair and proportionate.

@GalaxyCookieCrumble

Go on the sick, hopefully you get sick pay, but please don't put your health at risk for others.

Please don't do this, it's dishonest (assuming you're not sick) and let's your school down because they can't replace you properly on a sick note..... very self-centred advice.

You do need to have a proper chat with your dh and look at things in detail, the fact that he's glossing over things might indicate that he really wants you to carry on but it needs to be a joint decision.

One question, if you resigned would you still have to work your notice and how long would that be? You might end up regretting your decision if things have improved by the end of your notice period.

Sending and hugs though, it is shit, I'm a SEND teacher in the vulnerable category.... very scared too but what can we do 🤷‍♂️

Thanks Motorina. I do have hand washing fascilities, so that's good and access to gloves.

No I won't lie to go in the sick, I couldn't do that. I do appreciate galaxycookiecrumble maybe thought my stress levels were enough to be classed as sick.

I think my dh would rather I carry on. He's worried too which is part of him not wanting to talk about it. However, I think he feels we need the money and doesn't want to spell that out.

It's really helped me to feel listened to and for my worries to be acknowledged. Thank you x

P. S Christmasinjune thank you. All the best to you too, I really feel for you. Hope you manage to stay safe x

I work 1:1 with a child with profound medical and special needs.
I have nothing. No mask, no gloves, no apron. Nothing.
No one cares. I just have to get on with it. I am CV but again - no one cares. It is what it is. I don’t care much though, if I get it and die I’m not really bothered.

Sorry to read this legoteacups. Have you asked? I had to ask to wear a visor and provided my own.
I must say a large part of my worry is nit being here for my own children. Should I get it seriously, also passing it onto my husband who is cv.
I'm really sorry you feel you don't care about dying. I'm sure there are people who value you.. Is there anyone you can talk to?
I really hope you can get some help and support. You do a valuable job. You are definately worth protecting.

There are a few things you can do to reduce the chances of you getting a bad case. Take Vit D and Zinc supplements daily, both support your immune system. Take the full recommended amount of zince and triple the Vit D.
Get a proper alcohol based mouthwash and use it 4 times a day. Sluice it around your mouth for a good minute. It will lower the viral load in your mouth which is one of the main entry points for the virus.
Get yourself a Cambridge mask and use it all the time at school. Its very effective at protecting the wearer as well as preventing onward transmission. If you dont wear glasses, buy a pair of clear glass ones. The mask and the glasses might not protect you 100% but they will reduce your viral load which makes it much more likely you would only get a mild case