Parents, guardians, please take note!

EDITOR: Has the Ministry of Education thought matters out very carefully, in relation to the reopening of schools? In Trinidad, one Standard Five student of the Maraval RC School, along with that student’s family, have tested positive for COVID-19. The family is now at the Caura Hospital. The Chief Medical Officer advised all students of the Standard Five class to remain under quarantine. Also, all teachers and other personnel who were at the school that week will be tested. The school has since been closed. In light of this very sad occurrence, we ask, “Are we opening schools too soon?” Isabella Eckerie, a virologist at Geneva University Hospitals, stated: “Respiratory viruses really like children.”

An article entitled, “Overview of Viral Respiratory Tract Infections in Children,” mentions: “Most often, viral respiratory tract infections spread when children’s hands come into contact with nasal secretions from an infected person.

These secretions contain viruses. When the children touch their nose or eyes, the viruses gain entry and produce a new infection.” Present reliable statistics reveal that COVID-19 is still a very serious threat throughout the world. In general, children are NOT going to observe social distancing protocols. Teachers are definitely concerned about having to handle children’s books and the risks involved. Parents and guardians, please take note. Homeschooling, with the use of technology, seems to be the better way to go until the COVID-19 threat is over. We all may find wisdom in the words of a Jamaican mother who, when asked by her daughter, what is her advice on the reopening of schools, responded: “Betta dem live dunce dan dead bright!”

BP