It’s That Time Again

It’s time for schools everywhere to open their doors and welcome the bright, cheery faces of youngsters that are eager to learn and excel once again. But, this time around it will not be ‘business as usual.’ The question we must ask is what will the classroom and campus look like when school bells ring once again?

Since mid-March, most schools around the country closed their doors and switched to remote or online-only learning. This was implemented to cut down on the spread of the coronavirus, and to also to avoid litigation as a result of a child or worker becoming infected. Many had hoped for schools to reopen in the traditional sense this fall, but with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing in the US that seems unlikely.

All Or None

There are many reasons that children go to school and gather in a classroom for learning. Being around other peers has many advantages such as increasing social skills, interacting with others, and sports and other extracurricular activities. The advantages of distance learning are that a student can learn in the comfort of their own home, assuming that Wifi is available, and they avoid the risk of contracting COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Still, there are certain services and activities that cannot be offered remotely.

There were some states considering offering no services, but there are legal ramifications to not offering any learning. Distance learning can be costly, as each class must be set up appropriately and in some cases, children must be offered Wifi or at least access. The other option is opening the doors and carrying on as if there was no pandemic, which can be dangerous as you run the risk of spreading the virus. Most schools will adopt some sort of hybrid or combination of the two or having smaller classes and having some students come in the morning and some in the afternoon.

What Are The Options

Many school districts are opting for a variety of options. As mentioned, there is the option where some students go in the morning and others in the afternoon, meaning smaller classes. Smaller classes ensure that schools are able to meet CDC guidelines. Some districts are offering distance learning for those that want it and in-class learning for others. There are districts where learning is being provided remotely only, with some extracurricular activities. The options may be endless but the goal is always the same: the safety of teachers, staff, and students.

Is It Safe?

No matter which way a district goes you can bet that safety and prevention of the spread of COVID-19 will be the top priority. Part of a school COVID-19 safety package must include:

• Teachers and students will have to maintain a six-foot distance
• Mandatory Face coverings
• Hand sanitization and proper handwashing
• Constant sanitization of classrooms
• Deep Cleaning of the building
• Checking students and staff for fever and other signs before entering the premises.

Other things that can be undertaken include:

• Offering pre-prepared meals
• Discontinuing drinking fountains
• Disposable utensils and dishes
• Cancellation of some non-essential activities

What about the hallways, restrooms, and other areas where students tend to congregate or share close space? These areas will be cleaned and sanitized, but how will it be done throughout the day? Obviously the list of questions and possibilities goes on. In the end, if a district chooses to open its doors, it is incumbent upon them to ensure the facilities are cleaned, sanitized, and safe for everyone. It is the school’s responsibility to make sure there are measures in place to prevent a student who has been exposed or tested positive from exposing others.

Kids, COVID-19, And School

In some European countries, children were sent back to school in the Spring, after a brief closure. There is one case of a boy with symptoms of COVID-19 who was exposed to over 70 other children with none of them showing any symptoms. He enjoyed activities like skiing. Children share germs and when they become ill they tend to rebound rather quickly. Still, the recommendations are to not open schools just yet because there is still a lot that is not known about COVID-19 and children. The answer is to continue to practice safe practices like face coverings, washing hands, and extra sanitization of classes, and other areas of the school.

Questions To Ask

• Has the school take proper steps to ensure the health and safety of all students.
• What about students with behavioral or mental health issues? How will they be treated?
• Will the school offer any specialized support for students that require it?
• How can parents get involved?
• What happens if my child or any other child is exposed to Coronavirus?

Steps To Take In Case Of Personal Injury Due to COVID-19

In the event that someone is exposed the school may be held liable. In event that your child, you or any person becomes ill from COVID-19 you need to know the proper steps.

• Get medical help, and have the student or school personal isolated.
• Make sure that anything your or your child comes in contact with is sanitized
• Protect your family and get legal advice

Personal injury from COVID-19 is a result of some form of negligence, in this case, a school. If you, your child, or someone you know becomes injured due to COVID-19 from school negligence then Contact Us at Bennett Injury Law as soon as possible to get your case started.

Charles Bennett

Charles Bennett is a Plaintiff’s trial attorney and trial consultant based in Dallas, Texas. His law firm, Bennett Injury Law, is a personal injury plaintiff’s law firm that specializes in 18-Wheeler and Commercial crashes, Wrongful Death, Traumatic Brain Damage, Motor Vehicle Crashes, and Workplace Injuries. Cases Charles has consulted on in 2019 have won over $35M in verdicts.