A responsibility to secure schools

Iwas very disappointed by our MP’s remarks criticising what he called “knee jerk opposition” from Labour to re-opening schools on June 1 st . It is not “knee-jerk opposition” to be concerned about preventing deaths.

As has been said during this crisis, “we know how to rebuild an economy; we don’t know how to bring the dead back to life”.

There is a great deal to think about when we consider re-opening schools. Children may be less susceptible to the coronavirus; however, can they transmit it to others? Some studies say they do so less than adults, others aren’t so sure.

Recently, there has been a surge in cases of a rare illness called Kawasaki Disease: is this due to the coronavirus? The studies are still being done.

What are the long-term effects of the coronavirus? Some reports have indicated scarring of the lungs while others have said kidney damage may ensue.

The coronavirus is described at times as a “novel” coronavirus, this means that it is new and not well understood. Scientists are working ferociously to find a vaccine and effective treatments. I have no doubt that a problem that has this much brainpower thrown at it will eventually be solved. However, given the present uncertainty, and the absence of a treatment or a vaccine, we should proceed with care

This is not “knee-jerk opposition”, this is an understandable caution about gambling with people’s lives. It is appalling that this unwillingness to let people die is construed as anything other than that.

It would be best for everyone if the schools could open. As wonderful as technology is, it’s no substitute for classroom instruction. There are many homes not equipped for home schooling. However, there are criteria that need to be met before we even contemplate a full return to school.

First, do we have a working track and trace system in place? A system of this type is in place in South Korea and has enabled them to get a grip on the coronavirus. At present the answer is no.

Second, do we have a fully functioning testing regime? To be fair, there have been improvements in testing; however, there have been allegations of double counting in the numbers of tests. The answer to this is “maybe”.

Additionally, we do not have an antibodies test in place, which could let us know who has had it and may have an immunity.

This has been promised but is yet to be delivered.

Third, is it possible to do social distancing in schools and are the schools prepared for this?

It should be possible with the use of staggered schedules, but June 1 st may be too aggressive a timescale. Again, the answer is “maybe”.

No and maybe are not answers which inspire confidence; given how these decisions are literally matters of life and death, these answers are not sufficient. It is not knee-jerk opposition to demand the government is prepared.

It is not knee-jerk opposition to insist that the government knows what it is doing and considers the variables involved. Rather, it is being responsible. I wish that a strong sense of responsibility was just as contagious as the coronavirus.