Is it safe to open schools again?

By Jacob Kim

Rowland Heights High School

COVID-19 has significantly affected schools across the globe. Many schools started closing from February to March, causing students to receive lectures via video conferencing sites like Zoom. It has been 3-4 months since quarantine started and life seems mundane from home. Some restaurants, malls, and stores have started to open again with restrictions. Because of the reopening, the number of people testing positive for COVID has slowly started to increase. Currently, there are around 3 million people in the U.S who have tested positive. It seems terrifying, but it doesn’t stop people from wanting to go outside. Also, some schools in California had received permission to reopen. Some people think it’s not safe because of the high risks of the transmission.

According to CNN, children below the age of 18 have a 5% chance of catching COVID. With this data, many questions arise of how easy it could be for students to pass on the disease. With schools opening again, the students have some choices to choose for the school year.  Some options include independent, blended, or virtual models. Blended is when you go to school for two days, and you do virtual for the rest of the days. Independent studying is not involved with virtual or going to school at all for that matter. Schools are going to open around late August, or September. Students and staff will be required to wear their masks, social distance, and receive temperature checks. Eunice Kim, an 11th grader from Cypress High School, says,” I think that as long as the CDC gives the green light for schools to reopen, I'll be fine with it. But given the current climate, I’m not sure that will be a possibility. In July alone, the number of COVID-19 cases have skyrocketed. But for now, my school is offering a hybrid choice to do school online and on campus. I think I’m leaning towards going to school.”  Also, Kyle Min, a 11th grader from Los Alamitos High School, believes “I think it is not smart to open up schools. As it is, the US has at least 2 million cases of COVID-19, and people often forget to keep a distance. Simply put, there is too much spread and too little actions to prevent it, leading to schools being even more dangerous.” Kyle believes that the risk shouldn’t be taken, however Eunice seems to accept the risk, as long as the CDC gives the permission to. As clearly shown, there are varying opinions on the reopening of schools.

People see that reopening schools can either be good, or contribute to the disease. Until there are vaccines, I believe that if your school gives the option for virtual, students should only take classes online.  What would you do if you’re the district leader, and given the option to reopen the schools?