To reopen schools or not

While the coronavirus pandemic still reigns in the country — albeit in a much weaker position — schools might be allowed to reopen from September 15 as announced by Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood. To reopen the schools or not is the debate nowadays. Some believe that the safety and wellbeing of children, teachers and staff members are more important and schools should stay closed till the time an anti-virus is available. There are others who insist that the Covid-related situation is now good enough to reopen schools under certain SOPs and resume the process of learning which has been at a standstill for nearly half a year, to a huge loss to the students all over the country.

Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho is among the proponents of keeping the schools closed, especially those at the primary and middle level. She insists that until the country is rid of the coronavirus, children should be taught at home, especially the younger ones who are “not mature … and cannot maintain social distancing”. The minister says that teachers could be helpful to a large extent, but they would not be able to strictly watch the children for the entirety of the school day or ask them to strictly follow instructions. Thus “corona can spread in schools”.

To take Dr Pechuho’s concern forward, even the best of the schools in the country cannot ensure implementation on precautions being suggested, like: holding classes on alternate days so as to reduce the number of students in a school on any given day; increasing distances between desks; organising classes in the open air; avoiding morning assembly and activities requiring large gatherings; and carrying out regular disinfection in schools.

Reopening of schools thus carries a substantial risk for children and teachers; and most parents are unlikely to favour it. We may have to swallow the bitter pill of keeping the schools closed for an indefinite period.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 21^st, 2020.

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