Ali Cupper, Member for Mildura
THE issue of when Victorian state schools should reopen has been a topic of hot debate this week.
While most other states have started allowing students back to school, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has taken a more conservative approach and, for most, remote learning remains in place.
Many parents are keen for schools to reopen and the stress of trying to juggle so many responsibilities during this difficult period is completely understandable.
Mr Andrews said current restrictions would remain in place at least until the state of emergency comes to an end on May 11.
Between now and then, Victoria is embarking on a COVID-19 testing blitz and Victorian Chief Health officer Professor Brett Sutton and the Premier have said results of that testing could determine when restrictions start being lifted.
There has been a push from sections of the media, and the Victorian Opposition, to have schools reopen as soon as possible but we should always defer to medical experts when it comes to these decisions.
Prof Sutton has concerns about community transmission if we have one million students, parents, teachers and support staff all in close contact once schools reopen.
These concerns cannot be taken lightly and is incumbent on our state politicians to make their decisions based on the expert medical advice of Prof Sutton.
This week a childcare centre in Melbourne had to be closed because of fears two children attendees had contracted COVID-19.
Safety must be our No.1 priority and while it is becoming increasingly stressful for parents – and teachers – a conservative approach might be the best one.
The last thing we want is to reopen schools, or indeed relax any of the current stage 3 restrictions, too soon and suffer from a second wave of COVID-19 cases that puts us back where we started, or worse.
Sunraysia people are resilient, there’s no doubt about it. Their efforts in stopping the spread of COVID-19 have been outstanding and must be commended.
Let’s hope the next two weeks of expanded testing across Victoria show we have flattened the curve enough we review the current remote learning policy and can start looking at lifting restrictions.
