• Question: Why is our school still open when there are so many cases in london of the covid-19?

    Asked by anon-250570 on 16 Mar 2020.
    • Photo: Nathan Kindred

      Nathan Kindred answered on 16 Mar 2020:

      The government has kept them open to, in theory, prevent further strain on workforces (particularly the NHS). If they are banning mass gatherings then I believe schools should close too.

    • Photo: M S

      M S answered on 16 Mar 2020:

      I think if it gets worse it was close but I think Nathan answered that well

    • Photo: Sophie Arthur

      Sophie Arthur answered on 16 Mar 2020:

      The government believes there is no reason to close them (yet!). This might change as the situation is changing rapidly.
      While everyone is calling for schools to be closed, we do also need to consider what affects that might have on parents and families who will lose money from it as some parents may not be able to go to work. We also have to give teachers and parents time to come up with plans so that your education can continue and you dont lose out.
      It also means that if the schools are closed, that doesnt mean you can go around meeting up with your friends and going places. You will have to stay at home all day for the vast majority of days

    • Photo: Ioana Grigoras

      Ioana Grigoras answered on 16 Mar 2020:

      I think Sophie’s answer is great!

      The schools are still open because the government considers the problems caused by the disruption would be bigger than the risks associated to the infection (children missing out on their education, parents who need to stay at home even if they work in jobs that would be essential throughout the next months, teachers left without a job). Also, leaving the schools open for more days gives parents and teachers more time to figure out ways to handle the situation once children cannot go to school anymore.

    • Photo: Kate Mitchell

      Kate Mitchell answered on 17 Mar 2020: last edited 18 Mar 2020 6:54 pm

      When this question was asked the government had decided not to close school yet, there will be many reasons for that which I don’t know. They have now announced that schools will be closed after this Friday.

    • Photo: Sarah Clarke

      Sarah Clarke answered on 18 Mar 2020:

      At the moment the government has not ordered them to close – we will have to wait and see if/when they will change that. My understanding is that they are taking advice from a range of different experts about the impact closing schools will have not just on spreading the virus but also for example on pupils not being taught and parents not being able to go to work. Obviously this situation is evolving and schools are being closed in other countries. It is important to stay up to date on advice about keeping yourself safe.

Comments