Wait for vaccine or waste efforts

THE GOVERNOR announced (last) week schools have the “green light” to go back to school in the hybrid model. But why now? A shining light can be seen at the end of the tunnel, but we still have some steps to take until we finally reach it. Mass vaccine rollout is underway, but shouldn’t we wait for at least 50% of staff and students to receive the vaccine before students re-enter the classroom?

I’m still trying to comprehend why the governor thinks now is the time to reopen schools. Early during the pandemic, (Michelle) Lujan Grisham was very stubborn (about even) opening schools. During those days, we had a little over 100 cases throughout the state. (On Jan. 29 alone) the state reported 1,085 cases and 22 deaths, according to NMDOH.

Albuquerque High has just under 2,000 students who attend, using the 50% hybrid model that will leave still about 1,000 students attending each day. Those three long semesters that have been quarantined won’t be worth anything if we open now. It wouldn’t feel good to know you have been locked in your home for almost a year just to get the virus right before the vaccine.

I’ll tell you now, it will be very hard to (keep) high school students from coming in direct contact with other students. If even one infected person comes in contact with other groups, it will create a whole new virus chain. So let’s wait for the vaccines (to) open again.

ALEJANDRO TARANGO Belen