Multiple Covid variants, on many a school playground, enter buildings, where ventilation problems, matched to soaring heating costs, inevitably make school senior leaders, make choices based on government guidance, the origin of which is a Grimm tale.
The facts appear to be that the number of Covid cases is on the rise. Gateshead now has the second highest case rate in England, similar to that in the South East of 1 in 50. At a time when very few are wearing masks and following the latest government guidance, for coughs and sneezes in public places, transport and schools, which in the majority, remain mask free; the issue of advice to schools is so open to interpretation, that the inevitable gloomy prognosis is offered.
To justify my words and to add what little weight there can be from a fully vaccinated Biology teacher, who is on day five of recovery from an acute episode of flu-like symptoms. Here goes…
Respiratory infections are an occupational hazard in a school, as in so many densely packed public-facing jobs. The critical point in schools is that vulnerability is highly variable in all school staff; caretakers, senior staff, and those pregnant or with less robust immunity. Whilst a school has lots of teachers, it has few of the vital background care staff. If rates double because of the vague guidance offered, then the inevitable could happen, closures.
Covid guidance
What do those in central government advise for our young people to choose whether to stay at home or go to school, should they have some ‘mild’ symptoms and presumably the responsible adults, who have to overview the situation? This is the current government advice:
“Children and young people with mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough, who are otherwise well, can continue to attend their education setting.”
No testing?
Correlation is not causation! We teach this in schools in science, that four centuries-old product of the Enlightenment. Welcome back to the dark age, where the facts should not be confused with a political truth, central government is Covid-spent!
Schools have staff experienced in screening students, by symptoms, all of that experience from lockdown abandoned and for what, political expediency?
The cost of five lateral flow tests in one kit from Boots is approximately £10, arguably enough to track one infection for one person, from initially positive to clear within five sequential days. There is no mention of in-school testing, as a moral imperative to prevent the spread to more vulnerable people in the wider school community, based on the experience of lockdown. This one omission, a single test, to confirm or eliminate a suspected case in school, is left to those who can afford it. The net result of so many variables in the nature of the virus and its host is unpredictable but inevitable; increasing numbers of staff and student absenteeism; some schools will inevitably close once more as critical staff remain in isolation for at least five days.
Schools should be given funding for test kits, to sustain a local well-informed decision-making process, in conjunction with the local council. Schools and their communities need to make informed decisions based on data, not a guidance statement that invites indecision.
Finally, I’ve tested negative. I’m returning to work, where in every lesson there is the expectation of a risk assessment. In lesson time, I have to react to clear and imminent danger, based on my own experience and observation; how can I protect my colleagues and the school as a safe place for students; if my government observes the Covid-survival rates, with academic interest.
