Just had the loveliest Zoom call with my friend who lives and works in Hong Kong. Kids back to school tomorrow after 17 weeks 'off' i.e. learning from home. The differences between there and here couldn't be more stark on so many levels so I thought I'd do a thread. #Covid_19

Staff have been in for four days establishing routines and pathways through school. They had to apply to the govt to re-open and to prove that they could meet strict hygiene standards and spacing. Youngest child going back in will be 9 (Year 5 so 9-10 year olds), oldest 17 (Yr12)

It's an all through, small school. Even so, five entrances to stagger entry. Every child and adult has to wear surgical grade masks, provided by govt. All must hand sanitise on entry and on leaving every room. 2 metre distancing. On presenting any one of the following symptoms...

cough, temperature, sore throat, stomach ache, diarrhoea, discoloured finger nails, loss of taste or smell, the affected and their family must isolate, be tested and if positive, quarantine for two weeks. Contacts include anyone who has used the same toilet block.

When quarantined, the govt puts a mark on the door of the household. I recoiled at this and she couldn't understand why. It's a sign that your neighbour needs help - people leave food, gifts and care packages on the doorstep. Here I think they'd graffiti it.