Denmark Schools Reopen as Country Reduces Lockdown Measures

While most countries are still imposing strict quarantine measures, Denmark is way ahead by opening schools again. Nurseries, kindergartens, and primary schools were reopening according to reports.

When the coronavirus shook the world, countries imposed quarantine so that schools, malls, restaurants, and churches were temporarily closed. Denmark is among the many countries that practiced the quarantine. Its government, last March 12, decided to close down schools as part of its move to curb the coronavirus. 

However, now, a month after nearly half the total schools in Denmark's municipalities and thirty-five percent in its capital have closed, reopening of said schools are announced. This decision is after the center-left Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, eased measures on schools.

These measures have been announced in early April by the government. However, the condition was that everyone would keep their distance and wash their hands regularly.

Parents react

Frederiksen, in a press conference, said that this move by the government only shows responsibility from their side and that they did this because the number of sick people is already stable. 

Despite this explanation about the resumption of classes, some parents aired their opposition. Parent groups have signed a petition. It has already garnered 18,000 signatures. 

The petition was called, "My child is not a guinea pig." According to organizers, the issue about the resuming of classes roots in the fact that children are prone to carrying diseases without getting sick.

Notwithstanding the petition, other parents trust the government's judgment. One mother in an interview by AFP even said that she thinks that children are to be less sick and affected by the virus.

At the hands of teachers

The schools are proactively becoming cautious during the reopening. For schools to ensure that students will keep the required distance, desks are placed six feet apart from each other, and breaks are organized in small groups.

Teaching is socially distanced. To be able to do this kind of education, some schools have divided the classes into two or even three groups. 

As precautionary measures, hand sanitizers are placed near the students so that they may clean their hands regularly.

Although the students have returned to class, school administrators also expect that some parents are still going to be hesitant in sending their kids to school.

Middle and high school students will stay at home.

Even though nurseries, kindergartens and primary schools were reopening, middle and high school students will continue with online or remote classes. Schools for them are going to open on May 10, and that is the only time they will return to classrooms.

Status of the Coronavirus in Denmark

As of April 14, there are 6,691 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and the death toll is at 299.

Among European countries, Demark is the very first to reopen its schools. Although it is Austria that first announced its plan to return to a "new normal." But this plan does not include opening schools until at least the middle of May.