Long conversation with a teacher, summarised:

Teacher: You have to understand that despite these regulations, if a child needs a cuddle, I will give them a cuddle. If they fall and hurt their knee, I will break social distancing. I will reassure them.

Me: But you may be putting that child’s family at risk. You may be asymptomatic. The child could contract that virus from you. Yes, they may not suffer as a result but their parents might. X’s mum works at a care home, whilst his dad stays at home. X gets the virus from you.

He transmits it to mum and dad. 14 days later, both parents become symptomatic, whilst 4 residents from the care home have now caught it. Mum is resilient and bounces back. 21 days later and 10 people in the care home have it.

3 are now hospitalised. Dad’s breathing gets worse and he is also admitted. 10 days later. 2 elderly residents have passed away. Dad is admitted to ICU. Dad dies. The child who felt reassured after hurting is knee is now missing a dad, all because of a cuddle.

Don’t break social distancing. These are not usual times.
If we cannot protect children’s emotional and physical health, then schools should not be open.