Up to 6,000 people signed a petition in the Czech Republic to send children back to school. Many parents, according to the authors of the petition, are unable to help their children with learning at home. In contrast, about 91,000 people joined another petition for closing the schools.
“We call for a professional platform and the search for alternatives that would allow all children to have quality education, even in the current situation. It is not a good idea to frighten the public with statements about masks in schools and spacing between kids. Let’s find a constructive solution that will ensure a voluntary return to schools for those who need it, ”says the new petition that supports the schools reopening. According to its authors, it is not possible to prolong the closure of schools on the basis of mere concern. According to the authors of the petition, COVID-19 may still be here in autumn, and schools cannot remain closed forever. According to the signatories, a school is an important place for building relationships between children.
On the other hand, an earlier petition created by people required the closing of schools till the end of June. Its authors/ signatories sent it to the Ministry of Education and other places on Saturday with about 80,000 signatures. Since then, about 11,000 people have joined it. Signatories of this petition fear that opening schools will speed up coronavirus infection. They also do not like the fact that children may have to wear masks during their classes.
Schools in the Czech Republic are closed from March 11. According to earlier information, they could open in mid-May. However, the Chief Hygienist Jarmila Rážová said on Monday that epidemiologists do not recommend the complete opening of schools by the end of the school year. According to her, priority should be given to pupils who finish the year with a final or advanced exam. (ČTK)