[updated 5th November 2020]
The main source of information for this page is "COVID-19 - guidance on clinically extremely vulnerable children and young people" by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Check the latest advice on gov.uk and the RCPCH website.
Children
More evidence has emerged that shows there is a very low risk of children becoming very unwell from coronavirus (COVID-19), even for children with existing health conditions. Most children originally identified as clinically extremely vulnerable no longer need to follow original shielding advice. Parents should be advised to speak to their child’s GP or specialist clinician if they have not already done so, to understand whether their child should still be classed as clinically extremely vulnerable.
Those children whose doctors have confirmed they are still clinically extremely vulnerable are advised not to attend childcare or nursery during the period this advice is in place.
Children who live with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable, but who are not clinically extremely vulnerable themselves, should still attend education or childcare.
Parents of clinically extremely vulnerable children will be receiving a letter shortly confirming this advice.
Clinically vulnerable staff and children
Staff and children who are clinically vulnerable or have underlying health conditions but are not clinically extremely vulnerable, may continue to attend early years and childcare settings in line with current guidance.
what should I do if I suspect my child has COVID-19?
If your child has symptoms of coronavirus infection, or has had contact with someone who has coronavirus symptoms, please follow the advice as outlined on the NHS website and contact your IBD team before attending for any planned infusions, admissions or investigations.
Please contact your IBD team by telephone if your child is taking an immunomodulatory drug, a biologic medicine or steroid medication and they have a fever over 37.8, as they may need review by the clinical team.
other useful sources of information include:
Government guidance on clinically extremely vulnerable children and young people
OFFICIAL COVID19 NHS WEBSITE
Crohn's and Colitis UK advice page
Public Health England FAQ
World Health Organisation (WHO) daily updates
We have resources, tips and advice on coping with social distancing and isolation for families, children and young people. We are here for you please do get in touch, we want to help.