Graphic by Angus Nichols
Lily Smith
News Reporter
As South moves closer to its re-opening date, questions from students, staff, and parents are on the rise. Starting when the school first announced its plan to implement a hybrid learning model, there have been concerns about students’ health and safety. Many families are worried about the chances of their child bringing COVID into their home. However, the slowly approaching distribution of the new vaccine might be a glimpse of hope.
Students hold their own views on the vaccine.
“I think most people will probably have it by next September. I would feel comfortable going in if people were vaccinated,” said junior Shiv Sawney.
Similarly, Wasan Rafat, representing the class of 2023, suggests, “We won’t be able to get the vaccine in time before school starts, and that’s disturbing. I don’t think I’ll feel comfortable until there is a vaccine, or at least extensive measures are taken to make sure students are protected”.
A vaccine would not only increase safety but also reassure students, making them feel more comfortable with in-person learning.
A hopeful senior, Maya Makarovsky, concludes, “We will get the vaccine in May, and I will feel safe to return once I am vaccinated.”
While the total number of national cases are at an all-time high, the question of safety in regard to the transition back to in-person learning is crucial. Although the staff and parents may have differing opinions, it appears that most students agree that they will feel significantly safer in returning to school only after a vaccine has been administered.
