I think the general consensus at the moment (according to all the government guidelines) is to keep at least 2 metres apart, meet outdoors and if that is not possible, then wear PPE to maintain safety.
In shops and the like, it's a bit easier to enforce a 2m distance, and to stagger entry into the premises to avoid overcrowding. Staff can wear PPE and are shielded (in certain locations) behind perspex screens.
The big issue is how we try and replicate that in schools. My school management team are currently meeting on a daily basis (they're doing in in a double classroom now, as remotely just wasn't working) to try and work through possible scenarios/workarounds so that we can keep staff, students and parents as safe as possible.
We've recently contacted all parents in my year group (yr10 - 280kids) about returning to school. About 35% are saying that they will not be allowing their children back due to safety concerns, or that they have compromised immunity themselves and don't want to risk their child spreading COVID to them. We then have the issue of staff who have had the 'self isolating letter' from the NHS due to their own health/immunity issues. My 'oppo' on the pastoral team has been told that she is not allowed back in until September at the very earliest.
We also have the logistics of getting the kids into school - the vast majority of our kids use public transport and we have about 10 double deckers arrive each day. It's impossible to impose social distancing on a 'standing room' only bus.
At the moment, all we have to go on is the Government information, that is coming through sporadically, and is rather vague and ambiguous. What we need is clear guidance and direction, but there's not much hope of that.
Last edited by TBM; 18/05/20 06:43 AM.
