The Children’s commissioner for England has said that schools need to be first to open in any future lockdowns. The government has said that it is top priority to get children back at school.
However, reports have surfaced that this could lead to a sharp increase in cases. Neil Ferguson, a former government advisor and part of SAGE, said on BBC Radio 4 that it ‘[reconnects] the social network’ which could lead to a great increase in cases. It links back to a South Jorean study households with someone in the 10-19 age group have a higher rate of infections.
This means that opening schools could increase the rate of infections and Covid-19 cases, as well as potentially endangering vulnerable people close to those at schools. Especially without proper PPE and sanitation, teachers and students could be at a much higher risk if schools are kept open in a second peak, as well as when we go back in September.
Therefore, keeping schools open may not prioritise education- only the schools themselves can do that with the proper support- but it may prioritise infection rates and endangering those at risk. The proper steps must be taken in case of a second peak, to keep those at school and in contact with them safe.
Written by Anna Male
Artwork by Zara Masood
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