Phased return with testing

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Every child is different and what will work for one child, may not work for another. I have a child with autism and type 1 diabetes and our whole household will be shielding until at least the end of June, perhaps longer if necessary. Although children are generally seen as lower risk, my child has been in hospital numerous times just with colds and bugs because of how her two conditions interact together. Any illness causes more significant problems than in a healthy child with no underlying conditions. Any return to school should take into account those with underlying health conditions.

Parents gathering together at the school gates to collect children, children using shared bathrooms, stairs, stationery … the list goes on - how can school staff possibly control all these factors safely?

I think a phased return is a good idea but only if there are stringent rules in place and only small numbers returning at a time. There would need to be regular testing of these children and their families (and staff) for a fixed time to see if the disease is spreading. Only when these children and families have returned to school with no increase in spread should the next small number of children return, with the same testing and monitoring as before. Those who need to transition to secondary, with exams, vulnerable because of social/economic circumstances seem most appropriate to return first.

Any parent who has concerns for their child's health, or others in their household, should not be forced to return their child to school until a vaccine is in place or we understand much more about the disease and how to fight it with more success. Online learning should continue, instead of a return to school, for those who need it.

Why the contribution is important

School re-opening is important; however, doing it too soon and without a well planned strategy and vigorous testing will likely mean more deaths and the possibility of longer lockdowns in the months to come.

by MC4268 on May 07, 2020 at 11:37AM

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