‘Children should return to school’
Amid fears and uncertainty surrounding the spread of the coronavirus in schools, a paediatric expert at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town says children should return to school as soon as possible.
Prof Mignon McCulloch, who is also part of the UCT Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, says it is not only important that children’s education resumes, but essential for their mental health.
She spoke during a digital
She said the virus will be present far into next year, but education should go ahead, and there are several reasons why returning to school is advisable. Many children are at a disadvantage for not having digital alternatives, and they require face-to-face education.
In addition, children’s mental health is affected because of the lack of social interaction with friends and teachers. Many parents are returning to work, forcing them to leave their children at home alone. Another aspect is access to school feeding programmes.
McCulloch said the chance of getting the virus at school is the same as when children accompany parents on shopping trips.
At school the basic hygiene rules of wearing a mask, keeping hands clean and social distancing should simply be adhered to.
There are many ways in which a school can ensure social distancing, such as different school breaks for different classes and shifts in classes.