So when will close contacts not have to isolate anymore?

[Dauphinois]

I've not heard the government talk about this but it can't go on for ever, surely?

The effect it's having on education is devastating, with whole year groups being sent home for 10 days regularly. Equally tough in the workplace too.

We don't do this for any other illness. Any idea when it'll end?

@Reallybadidea

I think that fully vaccinated people won't be required to self-isolate for close contact once all adults have been offered the vaccine - it will be an incentive to get vaccinated (and complete both doses, which I forsee being an issue).

Agree but that doesn’t really help schools!

No, but I would expect the same to happen with children once they've been offered the vaccine. Although I can't see that being fully rolled out before the end of the calendar year.

Although I thought that close contacts in schools were no longer required to self-isolate and were going to be offered daily lateral flow testing - or did I dream that?!

@SchoolShirt

We had 3 days at school and then off for 10 days because of a case. Yet the children were wearing masks, did not come within 2 metres of each other, and all those self isolating have had regular negative tests. To my mind this is completely over the top

How is the school managing 2m distancing within classrooms, etc. Are your classrooms massive?

Our children sit shoulder to shoulder in classes.

Layladylay

At the very least it should be everyone within a 2m radius, never just the person next to them.

But also bear in mind that many classrooms have limited ventilation so the 2m thing is only a crude tool, morethan likely it is spreading much further especially if all in same room together all day.

@Reallybadidea

Although I thought that close contacts in schools were no longer required to self-isolate and were going to be offered daily lateral flow testing - or did I dream that?!

That was the original plan until it was, quite rightly 'paused' due to the fact the LFTs are so unreliable.

The government did originally want to have full classes of children who had been in close contact with covid all sat together in classrooms mixing with other students, their families, on buses, etc. Fortunately they eventually did go back on this idea when the obvious issues were pointed out.

How on earth do people envisage 30 children in a small classroom, sharing toilets with 4 other classes are managing to maintain 2m distance? If people are believing that social distancing is happening in schools then please know that it isn't. It's not due to lack of effort by lazy teachers. It's physically impossible. The government have so much to answer for in peddling this rubbish.

It does happen for other illnesses but only for that child or adult. Chicken Pox, your child has to remain at home isolated until they scab over. No school etc. But obviously, it’s only the child. Everyone else can go about life! Similarly sick bugs, 48 hours after the last incident. Not that many people obey this rule I find when speaking to people!

I wonder if covid will become similar.. maybe 7 days from symptoms for the positive person.. 🤷🏼‍♀️ The close contact thing surely cannot go on indefinitely. It has a huge impact on education & work. Maybe it’ll be addressed once most people are vaccinated.

@StarCat2020

Someone should ask this at the end of the Government Briefings or on the BBC website.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56459864
(Form at the bottom of page)

Good call, I have! I'd love to know the government's plans for this one.

It’s all down to how things evolve over the coming months and if the virus adapts to infect vaccinated hosts. The data over the next few weeks will be interesting because if there is any large uptick in numbers it’s going to mirror schools reopening so a rethink in how we approach them may be needed.

Don’t expect any policy change any time soon though.

@Reallybadidea

Although I thought that close contacts in schools were no longer required to self-isolate and were going to be offered daily lateral flow testing - or did I dream that?!

Our school have said they are doing this, thankfully it's not been needed to be put into practice just yet so can't comment on the effectiveness.

@Wellbythebloodyhell that plan has been 'paused' by the DfE for the time being after being slated by scientists. Saying that, there are some trials going on, so your school could be taking part in that.

Good call, I have! I'd love to know the government's plans for this one
Any time, hope you get an answer soon!!