Is it really likely the schools will close?

[sqirrelfriends]

I've seen a few comments on other threads about schools and other childcare settings closing indefinitely to prevent the spread of Covid 19. Do you really think it's likely to happen?

Although Boris has said schools will remain open I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see the Easter holidays extended to cover the whole of April

I’m in Connecticut and our schools closed yesterday until further notice. The teachers have done a tremendous job putting together online modules with little more than a day’s notice.

If the government expects parents to work from home, they will need childcare for very young/primary school age children. As children/young people so far don't seem to be getting it (they aren't as independently social as adults so probably have fewer social interactions and on a smaller scale), then most settings/schools could stay open, as long as they have no cases of Covid-19. Having said all that, everything is changing day by day, so who knows?!

Too many experts from WHO to media politicos who dont have any responsibility for anything but know how everything should be done.
I've no doubt that when schools do get closed and the knock-on effects are felt the same 'experts' will be saying it was done too late or too early.
It's like the old saying about auditors, 'They come onto the battlefield when the battle is over and bayonet the wounded.'
This epidemic is going to be horrendous and might last a year or more, and still recur in isolated areas regardless of when schools etc are shutdown - the only thing any government can do is even out the spread of the disease to leave enough essential people fit to be on duty at each stage. I only hope it gets a goodly share of the 'experts'.

Christ’s Hospital school in Horsham, West Sussex is closed from 3pm today until after the Easter holidays at least!

Schools in ireland have closed after today

Secondary school closed here after 2 confirmed cases in it

One north east region is closing on 20th for two weeks

So was there no recommendation to wfh?

I think in theory it's a good thing however, I'm a TA and I just know if this were to happen where I work, the parents would be allowing their children into others' houses for playdates etc. Letting them play outside and generally taking them places (those that can be bothered anyway). The majority will not adhere to the suggested quarantine. It'll need enforcing somehow and I'm not sure with all of the cuts we've had we have the manpower to do it. I guess we sit tight and wait.

They need to shut all schools or none. Many schools won’t be able to operate if staff have to self isolate, so you’ll get a horrific mish mash and parents cross because their school hasn’t closed or is closing.

So many parents rely on grandparents for childcare that I'm worried closing schools will actually make things worse - putting the little germ carriers together with the most vulnerable.

@Davincitoad Which NE region?

Reporting in from Washington State, one of the epicenters in the US.

Most of the school districts in my immediate area (except the one my kids attend) have closed, and gatherings over 250 people are banned.

Gatherings less than 250 need to show that they have taken sensible precautions.

The only two models that have avoided an Italy outcome seem to be extreme social distancing, or massive testing. Since the US has totally blown testing, we're going with distancing as much as possible.

I wish the schools would just close. I care for my elderly mother and don’t know what on Earth we would do if one of us got sick.

We are being warned thatbwe may close but not for 2 or 3 weeks, so in time for Easter holidays. Wr have been asked to prepare online work and to ensure all children have passwords for online learning. Not sure if we will close or not, I can't imagine it. I would however like to be allowed, and to be given some cleaning products so i can ensure that surfaces in my classroom are cleaned throughout the day. Our cleaners are in at night and have such limited time to clean. 🤔 We have been told they suspect kids are carriers displaying no symptoms.

schools not shutting in Scotland and N Sturgeon said in press conference that they are trying to delay taking that decision because once they shut them that will be till the summer.

"Another new measure announced by the first minister was the cancellation of all school trips.

But she said that schools, colleges and universities would remain open as their closure would have a "very direct affect on the ability to keep key workers at work".

There are also concerns that young people would instead gather in informal settings where the risk of spreading the virus was higher.

Ms Sturgeon said "complex judgements" needed to be made around school closures as they could potentially last until the end of the summer term.

"If it gets to a stage where the advice is to close schools, this will not be for a week or two weeks," she said.

"This would be something that was advised to last throughout the peak of this infection and that is potentially until the summer period."

The matter would be kept under "very close" review, she added.

Yes. I expect so.

I'm near 2 schools that have closed for now, as they've had confirmed cases.
DM works at an international school. They're yet to say what's happening with their students, especially the Chinese and itailans.

I think that the UK will eventually move towards closing all schools as the number of deaths progress. It would be interesting to know how many of us on this forum have had children constantly getting sniffles, coughs, and taking time off school. Our family has constantly been getting colds, cough etc and sometimes much worse than others with headaches etc. To be honest, we've not self-isolated because it started before any cases got to the UK and now it's still going on. If we were to isloate we might as well just not bother go to school or work because as soon as one finishes another comes it's way. I think the flu virus also is much worse than usual and one will never know if it is the flu or COVID-2 (second wave or phase). One thing for sure, I do think the UK acted too slowly as usual. You can be sure if there was some sort of zombie apocalypse the UK would be swamped with it whilst all the officials tell everyone a lie not to panic and keep calm and carry on whilst they themselves take steps to protect themselves and idiots always believe the government to the latter. One can never believe the government when they say it's OK. Look at how things are progressing now. See how things pan out in the next week or so!!!

My son has now been off school for a fortnight due to starting with a virus that turned into a chest infection. He is now on an inhaler and second lot of antibiotics but he seems to be turning the corner, thankfully. I have liaised with the school throughout but I’m adamant about not sending him back until he’s completely better and the school fortunately agree. Luckily we are in Norfolk with no confirmed cases but I’m still not risking him or others. I’ve only gone shopping when my eldest DS(19)!is home to keep an eye on him or if DH takes me but even then he’s waited in the car with DH as I don’t drive.

They may do but I suspect the teachers will still be working from home sending out the curriculum. I heard any closures would be after Easter( if this happens) from someone in secondary education. I work in education very part time as I have health issues, and I have just had to fill out a risk assessment. It's a lonely prospect as I love my work

The Government will try to keep schools open for as long as possible because parents use schools, not only because schools educate their children but also look after them while parents go to work. Also for some children, school is a haven from their chaotic home life. Also, in some schools the only meal children get is their school dinner. Some schools also provide their pupils with breakfast as well.

They won’t want to collapse the economy and so are staying operative as long as possible. Every day we go about our normal business thousands will be exposed. We’ll see (in whatever the actual incubation period is) in around two weeks how many people are infected today. So probably at some point. They know it’s a numbers game, we’re in it for the long haul and no one is promised beds in ICU although I would imagine those that are making the decisions will be well taken care of.

They’re just trying to have a balance of how many people dr’s have to decide to give treatment too... ie, 2 outside their door waiting for the one bed left or 20.

I came to say similar to @LuluJakey1 - lots of schools have very vulnerable children, and whilst I agree with proactive closures in theory (although I do think it has to be timed correctly), I worry that these children:

a) won't be 'seen' for several weeks - schools put a significant amount of preparation for summer holidays, when they won't see students for 6 weeks, by contacting relevant agencies to ensure there are even scant 'checks' on at risk children.

b) for a lot of vulnerable children, school is the only consistent, reliable factor in their lives

c) lots of schools make arrangements for charitable support, or liaise with food banks, to provide support for FSM children over holidays - could this be put in place at short notice for a closure of 4 weeks or more?

I'm not negating the need to preemptively close schools/universities, but I do think it needs to be done at the best time to help combat the peak in cases, and that there needs to be some thought about vulnerable children and the effects on them.

On a different note - increasing class sizes is fine in theory (to keep schools open), but it will being its own problems. Put 45 10/11 year olds in a classroom with 1 adult, and you're likely to have a loud, albeit manageable, room; put 45 4/5 year olds in a classroom with 1 adult, and you're close to an accident waiting to happen. Both scenarios are basically babysitting, as no meaningful learning happens in either case.