No easy answers to reopening dilemma

THE Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, announced that schools would be reopening on June 1.

This intensified the endless public debate, especially on social media. The day after the announcement it was reported that South Africa is now moving into the thick of the pandemic in June and July.

Over 40 000 deaths are projected in a worst-case scenario by November. The announcement that schools will reopen at this time seems absurd.

The counterargument for those pushing for the reopening of schools is that children are largely unaffected by the virus, they don’t pass it on, that calculated risks are necessary.

Some parents are adamant that their children must go back to school because they themselves have realised that teaching is a difficult and arduous task.

Many, too, are trying to balance their own professional lives with the added pressure of now trying to support and assist their children. I want to acknowledge their stress and anxiety.

The economic and scientific evidence that has been cited for this decision is one thing. We are at sea and gambling with the emotional and psychological consequences. There are no easy answers.

FR RUSSELL POLLITT SJ | Jesuit Institute South Africa