Back To School 

By Neetu Malhotra, MD

Most parents after the long summer break cannot wait to send their kids back to school. But, of course things are much different now in 2021 during this pandemic that has turned our world upside down.

President Donald Trump has been urging all state and local officials to reopen schools this fall, despite the coronavirus infections surging nationwide. However, most experts have clearly stated that without in-person classes, many students will either fall behind or fall into depression.

I do not think that online learning works well for children, especially for young children. Children have been having significant social and emotional concerns from online learning over the past several months. Children have been falling behind as well.

It appears that children are not as susceptible as adults to COVID-19, disease caused by coronavirus. In the U.S., children make about 22 percent of the population but kids actually account only for 2 percent of coronavirus cases thus far, according for the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

Those that are infected, relatively few require hospitalization or develop serious complications.

However, this does not mean that classrooms should not follow social distancing and other safety precautions.  Honestly, it really is imperative for kids to get back to school which can be done safely.

There are certain immunocompromised conditions, which I do think may be exceptions. I do not think that in person school is a good option for of course those children. I would have a honest and open discussion with one’s pediatrician to decide what option is the best.

I think it is important for all parents to discuss the importance of hand washing frequently with their kids. I also think kids must learn to wear masks and social distancing must be encouraged as much as possible. I think also schools have to assess the risk by age as well. Elementary school children are at a much lower risk than say high schoolers or even college students. I think schools will have to become creative in laying out classrooms and conduct school safely.

Of course, nothing will ever come back to “normal” until we have a vaccine. These are extremely difficult times we are living in and I think schools can reopen but safely. Life has changed but we must adapt to the times. I think kids must go back to school.

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