Criticizes Inadequate Ideas for Education in Future Schools (Lauterbach)
Germany's Most Wanted: Get a Grip on School Operations Amidst COVID-19 Surge
- share
- share
- share
(Berlin, DTS News Agency) - Amidst a worrisome surge of COVID-19 cases in Germany, SPD health expert, Karl Lauterbach, is clamoring for prompt action on formulating operational plans for schools moving forward. He asserts, "It's a must to ensure lessons carry on, even in the face of increasing infection rates," Lauterbach stressed, speaking to Funke media group's dailies (Weekend editions). He addressed the dearth of strategies concerning maintaining school operations when infections escalate, and outdoor ventilation concepts become less effective as winter arrives. "When it's too cold to keep windows open, we need either advanced ventilation systems or fitting teaching methods to keep social distancing among kids and young adults," he said.
He bemoaned the current stagnation, "Too little is happening here. Time is ticking," Lauterbach warned, eyeing the forthcoming weeks. The students have already suffered greatly during the pandemic's reign. "We can't allow this to happen again."
Some strategies to sustain school operations under such circumstances can be inferred or observed from past practices:
Clues for Sustaining School Life
- Mandatory Testing: Schools in Germany have earlier adopted compulsory rapid testing to curb the spread of COVID-19. This technique has shown promise in thwarting virus growth, particularly during the initial stage of reopening.[4]
- Ventilation: Adequately ventilating schools is crucial in diminishing the transmission of airborne viruses. This could involve upgrading HVAC systems, employing air purifiers, and making the most of open windows when possible.
- Social Distancing: Implementing distancing measures like limited class sizes, staggered schedules, and suggesting mask-wearing can be beneficial in limiting contacts between students and staff.
- Hygiene Practices: Adhering to good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and surfaces cleaning, is fundamental to maintaining a clean, virus-free environment.
- Communication and Surveillance: Regular communication with parents and health authorities, coupled with vigilant case surveillance, is essential for detecting and reacting promptly to outbreaks.
Implementing these strategies can assure a secure learning environment while keeping disruptions to a minimum. However, to triumph in the current scenario, it is imperative that the German educational authorities produce a practical, detailed plan that considers current health protocols and situations.
- As Germany grapples with a surge in COVID-19 cases, education-and-self-development policy-and-legislation needs to prioritize implementing strategies such as mandatory testing and adequate ventilation to ensure school operations continue successfully, as observed from past practices.
- In light of the political climate and the pressing situation, the general news should focus on the urgent need for prompt action from politicians regarding the development of comprehensive and practical plans for school operations during the winter, which addresses the challenges posed by cold weather and increased infection rates.
){kind=link}