In a flash, the transition from in-person learning to remote education took place. One day, schools in my neighborhood were welcoming students; the next, they were shuttered—initially for two weeks, then indefinitely, ultimately closing for the entire academic year.
Eventually, schools will reopen. However, this process will likely be gradual, not instantaneous. Observing the strategies employed by various countries in reopening schools suggests that the path back to normalcy will be slow and potentially fraught with challenges, not as straightforward—or as secure—as many hope.
Across the globe, nations are wrestling with how to resume classes while ensuring the safety of both students and staff. The methods being implemented vary widely. By analyzing these different approaches and their outcomes, we can gain valuable insights and perhaps an informal guide for our own preparations.
What Are Other Countries Doing?
China, the first nation to implement school closures to combat COVID-19, has mandated that students wear facemasks and adhere to strict social distancing rules. In one primary school, the principal introduced specially designed hats that prevent children from getting closer than one meter to each other, helping them adjust to the new norms.
Germany has taken a decentralized approach, with states crafting their own plans for reopening. Some states require masks, while others do not, and many are limiting class sizes and converting hallways into one-way corridors. In one town, students can opt for coronavirus testing every four days, allowing those who test negative to move freely without masks.
In locations like Sydney, Australia, Hong Kong, and Japan, schools are reopening in phases, with attendance staggered to reduce the number of students in classrooms at one time.
How’s It Working Out?
The results are still uncertain, not only because of the unpredictable nature of the virus, but also because it may be too early to draw definitive conclusions. For instance, shortly after a third of French students returned to school, 70 COVID-19 cases linked to schools were reported, leading to the immediate closure of those institutions. French officials noted it was “likely” that these cases originated before schools reopened.
In Israel, a teacher who had been in contact with dozens of students tested positive, necessitating a two-week shutdown of the school. Similarly, an assistant at another Israeli school tested positive, prompting quarantines for several students and staff, although it remains unclear if that school was also closed.
Germany’s reproduction rate, a key metric indicating how many people each infected individual is likely to infect, rose slightly, though officials are hopeful it was just a temporary spike. In contrast, Denmark, which was the first European nation to gradually reopen its schools for younger children, has not seen a notable increase in COVID-19 cases, thanks to measures like smaller class sizes and collaboration with health experts.
What’s the Takeaway for the United States?
What works in one country may not be effective in another, and this variability means we must approach reopening with caution. France’s experience highlights the potential necessity for pre-opening testing for both students and staff. Israel’s localized outbreaks remind us to be flexible and prepared to act quickly to contain cases, which may involve contact tracing, quarantines, and even temporary school closures.
While it may be unrealistic to conduct testing every four days as seen in a small German town, it underscores the importance of testing in facilitating a return to normalcy for students. Additionally, social distancing measures—like Denmark’s smaller class sizes and China’s mask mandates—must be part of our reopening strategies.
Ultimately, the complexities surrounding this virus make it challenging to determine the right approach for reopening schools, or even if it’s advisable to do so at all. Research indicates that children may be less contagious than adults, but other studies suggest they contract the virus at similar rates. Moreover, reopening schools means also welcoming back staff members who may be more vulnerable to severe illness.
Richard Pebody, a specialist in high-risk pathogens at the World Health Organization, advises a gradual reopening accompanied by close monitoring of ongoing epidemiological data. In other words, there’s no need to rush. By learning from the experiences of other countries, we can proceed carefully, intentionally, and with an emphasis on health and safety.
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Summary
As countries begin to reopen schools, we can learn important lessons about safety measures and flexibility from their experiences. While the process will likely be gradual and complex, understanding the varied approaches and outcomes can help inform our strategies.
Keyphrase: school reopening strategies
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