How will schools be able to go back in September? (Continued)

drunkmonkey · 31-08-2020 11:05PM

:rolleyes:

Queried · 31-08-2020 11:09PM

combat14 wrote: »

does any one know what the covid test is like .. heard one person say it was like poking a stick up your nose into your brain behind your eyeball and then they gave it a twist.. is that true?

count me out for testing every week if that is the case ?!!!

I found it grand though I wonder does it depend on the person testing you. Throat swab was absolutely fine. Fr t^÷ nose part, my eye started watering on that side and I felt a bit of an urge to sneeze would be the best was of describing it. Kinda tickly and just a bit uncomfortable. If I had to do it weekly I wouldn't give it a second thought. I'd welcome it to be honest.

Locotastic · 31-08-2020 11:24PM

combat14 wrote: »

does any one know what the covid test is like .. heard one person say it was like poking a stick up your nose into your brain behind your eyeball and then they gave it a twist.. is that true?

count me out for testing every week if that is the case ?!!!

Depends on whos doing it, if you haven't had one before then you won't be expecting it. If you have to go more than once it's nearly worse because you'll know what's coming.

It's quite unpleasant really but thankfully quick. Carrying out the swab on yourself is the worst.

31-08-2020 11:37PM

Locotastic wrote: »

Depends on whos doing it, if you haven't had one before then you won't be expecting it. If you have to go more than once it's nearly worse because you'll know what's coming.

It's quite unpleasant really but thankfully quick. Carrying out the swab on yourself is the worst.

I felt the not knowing was worse, having had it done once I’d not be bothered at all about having it again.

average_runner · 01-09-2020 09:59AM

Adrianna Gigantic Moth wrote: »

It’s fine, it’s a funny sensation in your nose sort of a tickley feeling as it’s stuck up quite far. Over in a matter of seconds and within 5 mins you wouldn’t even know you had it done.

Would be absolutely fine to have done regularly.

Depends on the quality of the staff doing it. Dad had two done, one was very good and one was brutal.

I say the staff in A&E and the permanent test centres are probably the best

ELM327 · 01-09-2020 10:04AM

combat14 wrote: »

does any one know what the covid test is like .. heard one person say it was like poking a stick up your nose into your brain behind your eyeball and then they gave it a twist.. is that true?

count me out for testing every week if that is the case ?!!!

This was exactly how mine was.
Scratched my brain!

JDD · 01-09-2020 10:06AM

Is it possible to get a private test done in Ireland? I heard a private nursing home in North Dublin has access to private testing, and can get the test arranged and results back in six hours. Going through the public system takes 72 hours on average.

I'm just thinking it would be so much easier to get my kid tested privately if I thought they had symptoms. Presumably all the test results have to be notified to the HSE in the same way as the public system. And if private testing was made available it might take some of the burden off the public system?

I'd be happy enough if they said you could only get it if referred by your GP.

I've privately decided that if any of my kids show symptoms and have to go for a test, I'm letting the other parents know in the WhatsApp group straight away. I know this would mean that a lot of parents would keep their kids at home until the test results - but surely that's the right thing to do? It's likely my kid will have infected another kid by the time my kid shows symptoms. That's why I'm thinking a quick turnaround test - even if I have to pay €100 - would be much more preferable.

Tordelback · 01-09-2020 10:06AM

Mystified as to how we are on one hand pretending that control measures in schools will limit infections, and at the same time are worried about the usual procession of colds and coughs. Contrary to my nana's wisdom, you don't get a cold from bad weather: you get it from someone else. So if schools are miraculously safe and everyone is practising hygiene and distancing in the outside world, there won't be any colds this year, right?

Yeah, right.

jrosen · 01-09-2020 10:11AM

I wouldnt be sharing any health info via WhatsApp. I think its important to follow the advice and protocols tbh. But thats just me

JDD · 01-09-2020 10:16AM

jrosen wrote: »

I wouldnt be sharing any health info via WhatsApp. I think its important to follow the advice and protocols tbh. But thats just me

Genuine question - why not?

I think any sort of taboo around this virus is nonsense.

My child has data protection rights of course, but as her guardian I can waive them, in the same way that I can waive my own.

Surely the more parents that are aware that there is a suspected case in the class the better? Less chance of another kid in the class passing it on before their own symptoms show up?

jrosen · 01-09-2020 10:19AM

A - why would you waive her right to privacy? Because she is the one that has to go back to school. Not you.

Secondly I think it would / could cause unnecessary anxiety and distress for some parents. You are telling possibly 30 sets of parents their kids are possibly at risk when really it could just be the 4/5 other kids at her table. She could also juts have a sniffle and you cause that anxiety for nothing.
I think we should all follow the protocols that are being suggested.

Lyle · 01-09-2020 10:21AM

JDD wrote: »

Genuine question - why not?

I think any sort of taboo around this virus is nonsense.

My child has data protection rights of course, but as her guardian I can waive them, in the same way that I can waive my own.

Surely the more parents that are aware that there is a suspected case in the class the better? Less chance of another kid in the class passing it on before their own symptoms show up?

This seems like the exact opposite protocol to what the HSE/HPSC want to happen in schools, so therefore seems like entirely the right thing to do. Fair play. Transparency is key for the next few months, rather than the obstructive, restricted approach to identifying and tracing contacts in schools that the guidelines have laid out.

josip · 01-09-2020 10:25AM

Do many schools have mandatory play outside at break times regardless of weather?

TonyMaloney · 01-09-2020 10:26AM

jrosen wrote: »

A - why would you waive her right to privacy? Because she is the one that has to go back to school. Not you.

Secondly I think it would / could cause unnecessary anxiety and distress for some parents. You are telling possibly 30 sets of parents their kids are possibly at risk when really it could just be the 4/5 other kids at her table. She could also juts have a sniffle and you cause that anxiety for nothing.
I think we should all follow the protocols that are being suggested.

it wouldn't just be 4 to 5 kids potentially exposed. the virus is transmitted via aerosol.

The whole 2m thing came about prior to their understanding of transmission. It's still useful for lowering the amounts of people in a business/institute (except for schools), but is ineffective in stopping transmission indoors.

JDD · 01-09-2020 10:34AM

jrosen wrote: »

A - why would you waive her right to privacy? Because she is the one that has to go back to school. Not you.

Secondly I think it would / could cause unnecessary anxiety and distress for some parents. You are telling possibly 30 sets of parents their kids are possibly at risk when really it could just be the 4/5 other kids at her table. She could also juts have a sniffle and you cause that anxiety for nothing.
I think we should all follow the protocols that are being suggested.

Well, this is why I was thinking a much quicker test would help. I can't see why sending around a message along the lines of "Hi All. I've kept X at home today as she has a high temperature. We're booked in for a test for covid this afternoon and should have the results this evening or tomorrow morning. It's highly likely it's just a cold but I thought it would be best to let you all know so that you can decide for yourselves whether you want to send your child in tomorrow. I will of course let ye all know the results of the test as soon as we know."

I think we should treat everyone like rational adults, rather than catering for the more hysterical among us. I'd certainly appreciate a similar text from another parent. And they more testing is normalised the less it'll freak out the children (and their parents). And I don't really see the drawback for my kid either. If the test is negative, she has a cool story on going for a test. If it's positive, she stays at home until she's better and then can go into school and has a cool story about probably being immune so technically has a superpower. Both my kids are in the young end of primary school, so I don't think they'd be picked on or anything - no more and no less than if they'd has measles or chicken pox anyway.

iamwhoiam · 01-09-2020 10:36AM

josip wrote: »

Do many schools have mandatory play outside at break times regardless of weather?

We were asked to put a rain coat in their bag as the will be going out even if it drizzles

wily minx · 01-09-2020 10:38AM

josip wrote: »

Do many schools have mandatory play outside at break times regardless of weather?

I think so. Ours does I presume as we've been repeatedly reminded about rain coats.

On the Whatsapping other parents issue... do we know whether or not the whole class/bubble would get tested if one child tests positive? From what I've read the HSE advises the school what action to take, not automatic testing for the class. If not then I would be inclined to tell the other parents if my child tested positive and they weren't told by the school/HSE. How would I feel if an oblivious family visited an elderly relative with an infected child because they weren't informed my child had tested positive? If the child is awaiting test results then I'd probably sit tight, no point causing panic and results are quick (ours took 29 hours).

Any teachers with an opinion as to how the 'pods' are working? My daughter came saying she needed to open a new packet of something and couldn't and that every child in the class took a turn in helping her. Surely it's not practical in a classroom setting to say that the pods won't mix at all?

Lillyfae · 01-09-2020 10:39AM

JDD wrote: »

Well, this is why I was thinking a much quicker test would help. I can't see why sending around a message along the lines of "Hi All. I've kept X at home today as she has a high temperature. We're booked in for a test for covid this afternoon and should have the results this evening or tomorrow morning. It's highly likely it's just a cold but I thought it would be best to let you all know so that you can decide for yourselves whether you want to send your child in tomorrow. I will of course let ye all know the results of the test as soon as we know."

I think we should treat everyone like rational adults, rather than catering for the more hysterical among us. I'd certainly appreciate a similar text from another parent. And they more testing is normalised the less it'll freak out the children (and their parents). And I don't really see the drawback for my kid either. If the test is negative, she has a cool story on going for a test. If it's positive, she stays at home until she's better and then can go into school and has a cool story about probably being immune so technically has a superpower. Both my kids are in the young end of primary school, so I don't think they'd be picked on or anything - no more and no less than if they'd has measles or chicken pox anyway.

Totally agree. There's a suspicious mindset that's completely endorsed by this cloak and dagger culture. Be a grown up, be open and transparent and there is no room for suspicion or Chinese Whispers. I would do exactly the same thing as you JDD.

the corpo · 01-09-2020 10:48AM

Brilliant return to school this morning, lots of nervous and excited faces, and the kids were happy too!

Staggered drop off in our school, which worked really well, no parents congregating, really well spaced out markings for the kids to stand on.

Now to bury my phone in the garden...

is_that_so · 01-09-2020 10:49AM

Looking out the window at the local primary school, just one class in the yard. Sad but necessary.

jrosen · 01-09-2020 11:03AM

This week no yard time at our school but I know from next week they plan too. I think some of the younger kids are not getting any though. Thats what I took from he email but maybe I picked it up wrong.

I just think WhatsApp is no place for it. That being said I opt out of any WhatsApp groups I can. In my experience they are a hive for gossip and drama. I would keep home, call the school, contact my doctor etc. If we were advised to covid test I would tell the school that and I would contact the parents of the kids my kids hang. I just dont agree with the group messaging and I do feel it can cause more anxiety and stress than necessary. But to each their own.

irishblessing · 01-09-2020 11:21AM

JDD wrote: »

Genuine question - why not?

I think any sort of taboo around this virus is nonsense.

My child has data protection rights of course, but as her guardian I can waive them, in the same way that I can waive my own.

Surely the more parents that are aware that there is a suspected case in the class the better? Less chance of another kid in the class passing it on before their own symptoms show up?

Many parents we have spoken to have said they will be letting each other know on the group chats too, and sure- kids will notice and mention a missing classmate anyway. I would rather let others know what is going on with my kid and keep others safe. It's not some shameful secret, there shouldn't be any stigma around it at all. We're all in the same boat.

JDD · 01-09-2020 11:35AM

That's fair enough jrosen. Our class WhatsApp group is genuinely very quiet - unlike the previous school that my daughters were in - and is generally just used for class announcements or the odd school timetable related question. If it was a very gossipy group I'd probably think twice about it.

And I suppose it depends on whether you are of the view that child-to-child infection is less common as the HSE suggests, and would only be confined to close contacts (the kid's table). My personal view is that covid is transmitted through aerosols, and therefore it spreads much wider than just the kid's table. Sure the kid sitting behind her is just as likely to catch it as the kid sitting on the opposite side of the table. And I don't know the layout of the classroom - in fact I don't even know who she's sitting with - so I'd err on the side of caution.

I could wait until the results of any test, but that could be two days. I'd say it's perfectly likely she has infected one or two kids before symptoms show up. That being said, I wouldn't send either of my kids for a test unless I had a strong gut feeling that it was something other than a cold i.e. a proper temperature, which my kids rarely get, or a proper hacking cough. So I'd only be sending the WhatApp message if I really thought that there was a risk to the other children.

Locotastic · 01-09-2020 11:45AM

irishblessing wrote: »

Many parents we have spoken to have said they will be letting each other know on the group chats too, and sure- kids will notice and mention a missing classmate anyway. I would rather let others know what is going on with my kid and keep others safe. It's not some shameful secret, there shouldn't be any stigma around it at all. We're all in the same boat.

You need to leave this up to the contact tracers, if you are a close contact of a positive case then you'll be contacted by them so you or whoever the close contact is will be tested.

The criteria for contact tracing is there for a reason and avoids causing anxiety unnecessarily to other households.

Anyone who is considered a close contact has to restrict their movements for 14 days and be tested initially and then 7 days later again (regardless of a negative test they will have to be restricted for 14 days from the date of the last contact.

I wouldn't be quick to let everyone know my business nor put that stress on others, the contact tracers will determine who needs to know about it in your wider circle.

SusanC10 · 01-09-2020 11:47AM

Back to school for both of ours yesterday.

Daughter in 5th Class. 25 in Class this year. She and 1 other girl in the class wearing Masks while in the classroom. Teacher in a visor.
She is so happy to be back with all her friends again.

Son in 2nd Year. Will have a base classroom for most subjects now. No lockers. Lunchtime will be outside unless v bad weather. Bad behaviour around Covid school rules will result in suspension. No harm stating that from the get-go.
He is also happy to be back.

We are driving and collecting for the moment. Parents pretty well behaved at the Primary. Either social distancing or wearing a mask at collection. Drop and go on the morning so we don't get out of the car.

josip · 01-09-2020 11:49AM

iamwhoiam wrote: »

We were asked to put a rain coat in their bag as the will be going out even if it drizzles

We were told the same but we only packed a summer raincoat instead of the winter one and sent ours to school with mesh runners.
Constant driving rain at both breaks, he was wet and cold at his desk in the breezy classroom for most of the day.
He's in school this week with a spare set of clothes.
6 of his class are out this week and because of not being able to return for 48 hours post symptoms, they're out for the week, not a couple of days.
Any of those who develop coughs from their colds, will be out for longer. Coughs often last a couple of weeks.

The reduced class numbers does help with distancing in the classroom, so there's at least that

BonsaiKitten · 01-09-2020 11:50AM

wily minx wrote: »

Any teachers with an opinion as to how the 'pods' are working? My daughter came saying she needed to open a new packet of something and couldn't and that every child in the class took a turn in helping her. Surely it's not practical in a classroom setting to say that the pods won't mix at all?

Pods were always a sham imo. But no, they don't work. The kids are good at following distancing but they're only kids and they forget. Personally I feel like I can either focus on handwashing or pods, not both...and pods are unenforceable so cleaning hands it is!

Loads of mine went on playdates on Friday and have after school activities together. Pods will do feck all for that.

My school is not putting them out in all weathers no and even if they were, I'd actually refuse to put my class out in pelting rain. I have play materials for each group on wet breaks - quarantined between groups - so they were happy out last week when it poured rain!

SusanC10 · 01-09-2020 11:52AM

Our Primary school has decided that both 5th Classes will be 1 bubble. No pods.
As I don't believe that the bubbles/pods will be effective anyway, I don't think it makes a difference.

wily minx · 01-09-2020 11:55AM

Locotastic wrote: »

You need to leave this up to the contact tracers, if you are a close contact of a positive case then you'll be contacted by them so you or whoever the close contact is will be tested.

The criteria for contact tracing is there for a reason and avoids causing anxiety unnecessarily to other households.

Anyone who is considered a close contact has to restrict their movements for 14 days and be tested initially and then 7 days later again (regardless of a negative test they will have to be restricted for 14 days from the date of the last contact.

I wouldn't be quick to let everyone know my business nor put that stress on others, the contact tracers will determine who needs to know about it in your wider circle.

But what is considered 'close contact'? Pod or bubble? Because if there is a positive case in my child's class I want to know about it. I am grown up enough not to panic but would opt to avoid their grandparents for a couple of weeks.

meeeeh · 01-09-2020 11:55AM

JDD wrote: »

Genuine question - why not?

I think any sort of taboo around this virus is nonsense.

My child has data protection rights of course, but as her guardian I can waive them, in the same way that I can waive my own.

Surely the more parents that are aware that there is a suspected case in the class the better? Less chance of another kid in the class passing it on before their own symptoms show up?

This smells of paedophile hunt. A family home of every child with snotty nose surrounded by people with pitchforks making sure nobody from the family leaves the house.

There is nothing more ridiculous than hysteria everytime someone in class has sore throat. That being said tests should be processed quickly and testing in Ireland has to improve. It never worked well enough and it's time they make it work. Same day results should be a norm.

How will schools be able to go back in September? (Continued)

Comments