Focus on education, not location, is key

I have a hard time seeing why the school debate is completely focused on how to get students back into schools safely. Well, similarly, how does one jump from a 10-storey building and not break some bones?

I believe the debate ought to be focused on how to provide schooling while keeping children from going back to the classroom (i.e. home-schooling or virtual schooling). Naturally, that has its own logistical problems, but they are not difficult, definitely no more so than the sure-to-fail, backin-school “kamikaze” plan.

Sure, there are ways to limit the virus’ spread, but not enough to keep the inevitable COVID-19 spikes, which will surely follow, especially in certain age groups. Let’s keep in mind that half measures with this epidemic will never cut it and will only prolong hardships. Do it once, do it right, and we just might have a good chance.

Also, crucially, we’re finding out that even young people who show little or no symptoms, at least in some cases, are suffering long-term damage.

If we’re to insist, however, on opening schools, I do believe it foolish to not make masks mandatory, which also serves as a reminder to the situation’s seriousness.

Also, prior to opening, flyers on the “dos and don’ts” should be handed out. Although it’s never easy to ensure all children follow any rules and have them understand the gravity of such situations, that’s our job. Kids will be kids, and are blameless for so being.

Yaman Mouradi, Vancouver