Reopening of schools: Students excited, but parents cautious

CONCERNS REMAIN

Reopening of schools: Students excited, but parents cautious

Komal.Gautham@timesgroup.com

03.11.2020 

Fourteen-year-old S Nithya is excited after hearing the news of schools reopening this month as she has been longing to meet her friends. However, her mother Prathiba Selvaraj is worried.

“It is not safe. We are sure that children won’t be able to wear masks for such a long time and teachers cannot focus on their safety. If the schools ask us our consent, we will say no but if left with no option, we will send them,” she said.

Epidemiologist Dr Prabhdeep Kaur, mother of a teenager, said continued enforcement of protocols will be the key. “The number of cases has reduced and this is the right time to run a trial by opening schools and give children the opportunity to have lessons with teachers. But the government should ensure that standard operating procedures are followed at schools. Outdoor classes should be an option, hours should be fewer. And if cases rise, schools can be closed,” she said.

Corporation and government school teachers said about 75% of the students were willing to attend school. “We are happy as we haven’t been able to reach every student. We have begun preparations to reopen schools. We are awaiting government confirmation on guidelines. We were given one set of SOPs in September and are following it. We will provide mid-day meal as well and ensure children are nourished,” said assistant education officer of Greater Chennai Corporation V Munian.

Online classes may be more convenient for students in private schools, but those in rural areas and slums have little or no access to them, said V Sridhar, a former corporation school teacher. “However, constant vigil is required as government and corporation schools lack facilities,” he said. He said facilities of government schools should be audited before reopening and many don’t have functional fans and proper ventilation.

Experts said non-ventilated spaces spread the virus faster and teachers could turn spreaders if schools reopen. Anuradha Prasad, a parent, said studies have revealed that children harbour more Sars Cov 2 virus than adults.

“Even if it doesn’t affect them, they will become carriers and infect the elderly at home. And in winter other viral infections, dengue cases and respiratory illness are common. So the timing may not be right,” she said.