Children with Long COVID fall under authorized absence. The youth doctor, also known as the school doctor, is the designated person to formulate a recommendation based on consultations with the parents, the student, the school, and any advice from an occupational therapist. A statement regarding work capacity is not necessary. The work capacity of a child with Long COVID can vary significantly from day to day and week to week. If a statement indicates that the work capacity has a specific duration and a child experiences a relapse (or PEM ), a written statement regarding work capacity can put parents in a difficult position.
For compulsory education purposes, advice based on insights from the youth doctor, coordinated with the child or young person, parents, school, and, if necessary, in consultation with treating physicians and the truancy officer, is sufficient. Together, it can be determined whether and how appropriate participation in education can be resumed. See also advice on school participation following the lifting of coronavirus measures.
The youth doctor works within a youth healthcare team and collaborates with the neighborhood team. In the event of long-term absenteeism due to illness, the school contacts the youth healthcare service (JGZ), and parents can also submit questions there. The youth doctor is bound by medical confidentiality. If necessary, the youth doctor can, with the permission of the student and parents, request information from the treating physician of the young person and/or the vulnerable family member.
The term 'work capacity' is not always used unambiguously by professionals at school, Youth Health Care (JGZ), and compulsory education. Consequently, it frequently leads to discussion. For this reason, this document has been prepared to clarify the role of the JGZ in assessing work capacity for young people reported sick.
