Crumlin Children's Hospital has issued the following interim guidance on return to school for parents of children attending their centre which they have kindly given permission for CFI to share.

Please note that CFI is expecting general guidance from the National Clinical Programme shortly. 

COVID-19 and the Return to School: some Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Should children with CF return to school in September? 
The statement released by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) in June 2020 advises that, given the current knowledge about COVID-19 illness in children, long-term cocooning of those with complex medical needs is likely to adversely affect them and may outweigh the potential risk of infection. The vast majority of children with CF should return to school alongside their classmates.  

In the context of the COVID- 19 pandemic, the Public Health Advice is that schools should re-open and manage the risk of spread by:

• Regular hand hygiene
• Planning for the management of physical distancing
• Application of respiratory and cough etiquette; and
• Enhanced environmental hygiene 
   

2. Does this advice apply to all children with CF? 
COVID-19 is a new illness and there is evidence emerging all the time. Given what we know about it at this time, CF teams may take a more cautious approach with a very limited number of patients who have significant complications of CF. Taking this advice on board, together with their knowledge of the precautions in place in the school (to make the environment as safe as possible), parents may need to risk assess themselves. 

3. Is it safe for my child to travel on public transport? 
Yes. However, given the number of different people your child could come into contact with each day on public transport, and the fact that physical distancing might be difficult, your child should wear a mask, if possible. 
 
4. Will my child have to wear a mask in class in primary school? 
The Public Health Advice is that it is not practical for many students to wear a mask properly for the duration of the school day. 
 
5. Will my child have to wear a mask in class in secondary school? 
All secondary school students have now been advised to wear masks to school. 
 
6. Will my child be allowed to participate in PE classes? 
In their document “Returning to School Curriculum Guidance for Primary School Leaders and Teachers” (July 2020) the Department of Education and Skills (DES) have stated that physical education is a central part of pupils’ wellbeing and should form a significant component of timetabled programmes upon returning to school. Emphasis should be on athletics and outdoor physical activity opportunities. Children should be provided with opportunities of a non-contact nature where they can engage individually or in small groups, e.g., in their pods. 

7. Will my child be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities? 
Many private providers of extra-curricular activities have put procedures and protocols in place to ensure the safety of those attending with a view to minimising the risk of spreading COVID—19. Communicate with the service provider to establish that these are robust. If your child and others attending adhere to the guidelines in place, they should be able to attend most activities. 

8. Is it safe for my child (or his/her siblings) to return to the swimming pool? 
The risk of acquiring coronavirus from chlorinated water (swimming pools) or from open water (sea, lakes, rivers) is very low. However, risks as with any sports lie in crowded changing areas with poor ventilation. It is safe to return swimming provided the usual precautions around coronavirus are taken similar to other sports. 
 
9. Can I get a letter from my CF team to confirm that it is safe for my child to go back to school? 
COVID-19 is a new illness, and given what we know about it at this time, we are advising that your child can return to school. Such a letter should not be required. 

10. Can I get a letter from my CF team to confirm that it is not safe for my child to return to school? 
COVID-19 is a new illness, and given what we know about it at this time, CF teams may be cautioning against a return to school (initially) for a very limited number of patients who have significant complications of CF. You can request this advice in writing. However, the final decision on school attendance must be made by you after considering a number of things, including:

• this advice
• speaking to your school to ascertain the precautions in place to minimise the spread of COVID-19
• weighing up the benefits of school attendance in terms of the progression and development of your child’s education, their social and mental wellbeing, while balancing those benefits against the potential risk of infection. 

 
* This advice is based on evidence available August 7th, 2020. However, this guidance will be updated if new information becomes available.