As schools around the world are reopening, the debate over what is safe for our children rages on. In the U.S., there has been a 90% increase in the number of Covid-19 cases among children over the last four weeks.
Governments and physicians—much like parents and teachers—cannot agree on whether students should attend school in-person, at-home, or a hybrid of the two. Sermo physicians are just as split. In a poll of about 800, 33% of global Sermo physicians believe schools should reopen in communities where outbreaks are under control; another 33% believe a hybrid approach of in-person and at-home is the appropriate approach; 18% believe schools should not open until there is a vaccine, and 16% believe schools should reopen no matter what. However, 73% fear that allowing children to return to school will trigger new outbreaks. And 86% are concerned that even if children do return to school, it will be canceled due to new outbreaks or even a second wave.
When asked about the recent dramatic increase in cases among children, 66% of Sermo physicians said it concerned them; while 70% said they’re concerned by the potential unknown long-term effects the virus may have on children.
The Sermo community has a lot to say on this topic. Here’s a sampling of their comments…
