3) We have committed to wrong course of action on schools – it’s time for a rethink

This article from October 2020 documents the predicted shambolic failure of a school re-opening "plan" that ignored evidence that children catch and spread SARS2 and that unmitigated spread in schools leads to community outbreaks. I set out the WHO's guidance on school transmission & safety protocols and how Ireland's then Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan's, advice was apparently not aligned with this guidance.

https://www.independent.ie/opinion/comment/we-have-committed-to-wrong-course-of-action-on-schools-its-time-for-a-rethink/39684402.html

Excerpts 

"The Government’s “living with the virus” – or “flying by the seat of your pants” strategy – has failed. Yet, in the grip of a second wave as the ravages of winter approach, Taoiseach Micheál Martin is locked into a phenomenon known as escalation of commitment to a losing course of action (look it up), preventing him from knowing when to concede defeat and change course to avert disaster.

 The collapse of the test and trace system last week exposed the Government’s lack of preparedness for the entirely preventable second wave....."

"....Then acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn endorsed the move, saying: “Children don’t transmit very effectively to other children or adults” – despite the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) stating: “Children shed virus in similar quantities to adults and can infect others in a similar way to adults.”

"Chief medical officer, Dr Tony Holohan has maintained this position (children don't transmit effectively to others)...Last week, the WHO produced What we know about Covid-19 transmission in schools, which was significantly at odds with our CMO's nonchalance. It states children of all ages can be infected and spread the virus to others and community transmission is reflected in the school setting. 

"The importance of parental cooperation in reporting cases of Covid -19 in households is also stressed in the WHO document, as well as enhanced protection of students and teachers with underlying health conditions."

"As the ink dried on the WHO document, reports emerged here of staff shortages being plugged by merging classes, making them even bigger and more overcrowded".

"Testing and tracing in schools has been shambolic so claims “there’s nothing to see here” are unsubstantiated. Based on recent DCU data analysis showing an increase of 89pc in test positivity in 5-14 year olds from September 1-28, obtaining rigorous, transparent and accurate data within schools is crucial.

Given that Martin has said the important job of any government is to keep its people safe, now would be a good time to relinquish his commitment to a failing policy of opening schools on a wing and a prayer and committing instead to opening them safely."