A team from University College London says keeping pupils off has little impact, even with other lockdown measures. But other scientists whose work has informed the UK strategy insists school closures play an important role in stopping the spread of the virus.
While children can catch coronavirus, they rarely get severe symptoms. But they can still spread the infection, which is why many countries including the UK have closed schools.
The government has said it will review its coronavirus policies after Easter. However there is already speculation that schools will be opening sooner than expected with social distancing rules in place and the possibility of phased returns for students. It is important to stress that this is merely speculation at this stage but the impact on staff morale is not to be understated. Uncertainty does not make for a happy workforce.
Recent modelling studies of Covid-19 predict that school closures alone would prevent only 2%-4% of deaths, many fewer than other social distancing interventions. On first reading this would make the impact of school closures appear minimal, however we must pause at this moment to remember that 2%-4% are still people and the impact of bereavement on a school can have significant consequences.
Key points to remember
Some key points to remember when looking at any modelling or research being completed with regards to school closures and coronavirus.
- The data is still very limited
- Some of the work being done is also taking into consideration the impact upon the economy, having so many children at home and being looked after by parents. (It is difficult to weigh up the value of the number of lives saved against the economic impact)
- The research fails to take into account the impact alongside other social distancing measures
- Schools being closed breaks the links between many households and prevents the spread of the virus.
All of the measures, including school closures, are designed to work together and although the return to school could be the start of relaxing some of the measures.
At this stage, the information on school closures is limited in value and provides no real benefit to those making decisions. What must be avoided is a temptation to jump to unfounded conclusions so early in the discussion around school closures and cornavirus.
There would also need to be greater work around how schools can better protect their staff and students from the virus before a full reopening could occur, including a further review of the need for PPE is some settings.