Someone once told me that the countries that didn’t opt for elimination had to make a choice between education and the economy, as you can only maintain some control over infections if you prioritize one, not both. But making schools seem safer than they are changes the focus.

Now it’s a choice between health or the economy, as education is ‘shielded’, out of the equation. The choice seems easier. Now they are choosing the economy, because schools are ‘inherently safe’ and have no role in amplifying infections.

Because if schools were perceived as contributing to transmission, there would be much more antagonism between those who want to save their businesses and those who want to protect education while we manage this crisis.

The problem is that denying the risk and role of schools and children is normalising the different treatment of schools during pandemic restrictions. It’s political and economic, not science driven. It’s also cheaper, much cheaper.

No number of studies one throws at this subject will stop the push back. Minimizing the role of schools is what justifies the choice of reopening the economy. It’s what makes reopening possible. School is the public child care that allows the workforce to produce. That simple.