@Shop-et-al wrote:
For the last two days, I have been searching for opinions from people who know such things regarding how long schools (all types) should be closed. I found little directly pertinent information. My personal opinion is that even if the curve flattens during the next few months, schools should remain closed at least until fall of 2021. This would account for the anticipated spike in fall of 2020 and prevent additional disruptions in yet another academic year. This would allow time to consider and possibly change some policies which impact on student life. This would provide time to resolve current lawsuits which arose when some schools refused to refund money for unused residence and dining services. This is specifically for contracts that ended due to COVID-19, which was neither anticipated nor included in the original contracts. It would also give an opportunity to perfect, expand, and generally enhance virtual ed for all. Hmmm.....
It's tough. Another full year off would delay the development of K-12, in which the lack of continuity in learning and the lack of "taking advantage" of supple and quick minds could be costly.
College students (including graduate) would be in career limbo. They are stuck in between being minors and adults in the working world capable of fully taking care of themselves.
Parents of K-12 students may need sudden child care money.
I do hear you, though. In large cities, such as New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, etc., going back to "business as usual" could bring a second wave of the virus. If we then isolate again, I'd wonder if we should have gone back to business as usual to begin with. There does seem to be a possible "start-stop" frustration that could occur.
I wish we had the infrastructure for online learning already place for all students. That'd make things easier. Too bad we don't. Some have it, but large swaths of the populace still don't have good home computer and/or internet access.
I wonder about the mental health affects also of prolonged isolation. Not being able to attend church, not going to sporting events, not hanging out with friends (at least not being able to get within six feet of them)....if that lasts for more than one year, I wonder how people will handle that?
Granted, we're not entirely trapped inside. We can still get groceries, see the doctor, go to essential work services, etc. But just not the same....
I hope we can develop effective enough immunity tests and mass produce them to allow the immune to at least go back to normal life.
Random: I GREATLY feel for grocery store workers, first responders, Amazon warehouse workers, etc. They risk their lives for us, so tthat those of us able to afford to not go out can isolate at home.