COVID-19 cases in schools

It has been just a couple of days since educational institutes reopened across the country and we have seen an uptick in the number of coronavirus cases. We need to realise that pandemic has not yet ended but will instead worsen in the coming months.

At least 22 educational institutes have already been sealed within two days for flouting the SOPs to curb the spread of the disease. A medical college was sealed in Islamabad after a shocking sixteen cases were detected, while an elite university in Karachi was shut down within just a day after a student tested positive for COVID-19 and had been taking regular classes.

Teachers and educators have also affected after the reopening. In Khyber Pakthtunkhwa, eight teachers tested positive at a government-run school just before classes commenced. More cases are expected in the coming days and educational activities are expected to be disrupted once again. Within no time, authorities will realise that decision is doing more harm than good.

The government has reopened almost all sectors but safety precautions have to be still taken. Children have been staying from school for over six months which has strongly affected their academic career. But it needs to be understood whether it worth the risk to place their lives and health at stake.

It should also be realised that only higher education institutes have reopened such as high schools, colleges and universities. A much bigger challenge could emerge when primary schools reopen next month. It is nearly impossible for educators to control kindergarten children, let alone make them implement basic safety precautions and social distancing.

Wedding halls and marques have also been opened but still large events are seldom being held, while cinema owners have yet to devise clear policies. Attending schools may be a necessity but it is even more important to maintain extreme precautions. Parents will have to make the tough decision whether they would send their child back to school.

Authorities must also realise that winters are approaching the coronavirus situation could worsen. The much-dreaded second wave is also expected and all our successes can be erased. This has already started and unless drastic safety measure are not ensured, the situation can worsen in days to come.