A case for staggered opening

T Jacob John, former professor of virology and paediatrics at Christian Medical College, Vellore, suggests that schools be opened in a staggered manner depending on the level of vaccination in districts. “All schools should not be opened in one go.

Primary schools are the best to pilot-test school reopening as the risk of disease in ages 5 to 10 years is very low,” he says, adding, “All school staff and household members aged 18 and above ought to be fully vaccinated before any opening. Such a protective mantle for children will minimise the risk of infection and further transmission to families to almost zero.”