When Should Schools Reopen?

Right now, we are in one of the most unprecedented times in modern history. Nothing quite like the COVID-19 has happened within our lifetime (and hopefully will never happen again). Due to this, everyone from business owners to government officials is scrambling to figure out exactly what needs to be done. This includes reopening schools for students. While this is a tricky topic, many healthcare professionals are now weighing in with concerns about opening too soon and the potential hazards that come with children being exposed to the pandemic. As a medical professional, Wayne Emerson Gregory Jr. has studied the data surrounding the onset and spread of the pandemic and feels compelled to weigh in on the matter from a professional, educated standpoint.

When Should Schools Actually Reopen?

There is no cut and dry answer to this question. No matter what, there w
ill be pros and cons with the decisions that must be made. At the end of the day, we are being forced to weigh the health of students, educators, school secondary staff, and parents against the need for in-person education and normalcy. While it is a painful transition for some, many medical professionals believe that pushing children back into schools too soon could cause a massive spike in cases.

A Serious Risk

As a medical professional, Wayne Emerson Gregory knows about common child tendencies. Even on a personal level, we all can recall being a child and playing schoolyard games. This, of course, includes things like “tag” where you race and touch the other person. The contact play is common with children and we must acknowledge that teachers are not paid to restrain an entire classroom of children from simply being children. They are paid to educate and expecting them to navigate an active pandemic with a dozen or more children is not entirely feasible.

Children, especially younger ones, do not understand the very real risk COVID-19 poses. With that in mind, we can expect that they will not follow the protocol set in place to keep them safe and reduce the potential spread of this novel coronavirus. What four-year-olds do you know that will keep a mask on for an eight hour school day and not touch their face? They are certainly few and far between

A Tiered Approach

While there is no personal answer, if you asked Wayne Emerson Gregory Jr., what he personally believes to be the best answer, it would be a tiered approach to reopening schools. Start with the older kids, the ones who are high school-aged, and have the best understanding of what is acceptable. Let them attend in person first then, if cases continue to remain the same or decline, perhaps begin introducing the younger children. It is a concept based around maturity that he believes is the most feasible since older students can comprehend the risks more. Even if this approach is taken, the option for online learning should be given, as well. Working to provide structured online learning across the board is a great way to ensure students can still get the help they need and understand the work they are given. After-hours tutoring via private or small-group Zoom classes for those in need of assistance or assigned study partners would increase socialization and work to offer extra learning opportunities, as well.