For many parents right now, schools reopening is a very hot topic. But it is a topic that employers should be thinking through as well. Parents are also employees, and the effects of schools reopening (or not) will likely impact their ability to work.
International evidence suggests that reducing the amount of COVID-19 virus in the community prior to schools reopening is the most important determinant of success. The more virus that is circulating, the greater the chances that it will enter the school. Those countries that waited to open schools until after their community case numbers were low, didn’t see large outbreaks once schools opened. Conversely, those that opened while the virus was still widely circulating or reduced control measures too early experienced outbreaks after opening schools.
