advertisement
yesterday, on advice from dr. david williams, ontario’s chief medical officer of health, and the experts at the covid-19 command table, the minister of education announced the closure of all publicly funded schools in ontario for two weeks following march break, in response to the growing number of cases of covid-19. “we recognize the significant impact this decision will have on families, students, schools, as well as the broader community, but this precaution is necessary to keep people safe,” the press release stated.
besides wondering how the heck i was going to keep them entertained for three weeks, the gravity of the situation was not lost on me: we are in the midst of a health crisis. texts from my parent friends flowed in lamenting the extended ‘holiday,’ but also expressing fear and anxiety of what’s to come. one mentioned that her daughter has developed a nervous tic from all of the talk of coronavirus at home and school. another said that her son hadn’t made it through a full day of school without having to call her from the office complaining of a stomachache.
advertisement
“instead of reason, rationality, open-mindedness and altruism, we are telling them to panic, be fearful, suspicious, reactionary and self-interested,” sharkawy writes in his facebook post .
“covid-19 is… coming to a city, a hospital, a friend, even a family member near you at some point. expect it. stop waiting to be surprised further. the fact is the virus itself will not likely do much harm when it arrives. but our own behaviours and ‘fight for yourself above all else’ attitude could prove disastrous.”
advertisement