Sir,

I fully agree with the views expressed by Dr. Javeed Nayeem in his article Time For A Little More Patience! (SOM dated Dec. 27). The existing COVID-19 is still active in the country and has no signs of abating. Further, different strains as pointed out from the UK are spreading very fast. This strain is claimed to be more virulent and devastating when compared to COVID-19.

Presently, the vaccines are at the final stages of experimentation and are yet to be approved by ICMR. It is not known how effective these vaccines will be on different individuals.

The State Government is contemplating on re-opening schools from Jan. 1. Risk factors are quite high. I, therefore, reiterate that the schools should not be re-opened under any circumstances in the interest of safeguarding children’s health and the safety of the seniors at home since both belong to the vulnerable group. Online coaching, as it stands now, seem to be working well and that needs to be intensified and conducted more meaningfully. Lives, after all, are more precious than losing an academic year or two.

– A.V. Kumar, Brindavan Extension, 28.12.2020

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