Why B. Johnson Didn’t Close Schools: Balancing Health, Economy, and Society

The recent pandemic in the UK has led to a series of challenging decisions regarding the closure of schools. The current situation is fluid, with schools closing or adjusting their schedules based on updated advice from Public Health England (PHE). As of today, my son’s school is sending texts to inform students of teacher absences, indicating that they may be closing soon. This raises important questions about how to balance public health, economic stability, and the well-being of different demographic groups.

Current Advice and Gridlock

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, has advised people with underlying health conditions to stay at home. This morning, at 7:30 am, my son’s school sent a text informing parents of teacher absences, suggesting partial school closures. The decision-making process is in a state of flux, with daily changes in PHE guidelines.

The Impact on Different Groups

In the UK, a significant portion of the population relies on both parents working and grandparents acting as childcare providers for both school-age and preschool-aged children. The high-risk groups identified by PHE include those with respiratory issues, compromised immune systems (such as those undergoing chemotherapy), pregnant women, and individuals over 70 years old.

While children themselves may recover from the virus within a week, the broader implications of prolonged school closures are concerning. If children are sent home for an extended period, it could place a significant burden on the grandparents, who are part of the high-risk group. The grandparents will need to look after their grandchildren, which could increase the risk of infection for them.

Consequences of School Closure

The economic impact of keeping schools open while some essential workers, particularly those in healthcare, maintain their positions is significant. A short-term absence of a primary caregiver (parent or grandparent) could be managed; however, a prolonged period of school closure could put immense pressure on the National Health Service (NHS) and potentially lead to increased infection rates and fatalities.

The Best of a Bad Option

Keeping schools open is the best available option, even though it is not ideal. The current situation is a compromise between the health and safety of the community and the economic stability of the nation. Children who do not fall into the high-risk health categories can continue their education, which is crucial for their long-term success and well-being. Additionally, young people are among the least likely to be significantly affected by the virus, making them a suitable population for on-site learning.

Critiques and Perspectives

Some critics argue that schools should be closed to protect those in high-risk groups. However, this approach places an unfair burden on grandparents who may be required to care for multiple grandchildren. Furthermore, the economic fallout of large-scale school closure could be devastating. The NHS and other critical services rely on a robust economy to function effectively.

Conclusion

The decision to keep schools open is a complex balancing act, considering the health of all demographics, the stability of the economy, and the well-being of individuals in high-risk categories. It is a difficult choice that requires careful consideration of the broader social and economic implications.