Corona crisis: 'Many worries among colleagues'
Many teachers question the minister's decision to keep the schools open. That says AObchairman Eugenie Stolk in response to the many questions raised by the AOb since yesterday from its members.
Image: Angeliek de Jonge
Prime Minister Rutte announced a number of measures yesterday afternoon to prevent the spread of the corona virus. For example, events where more than a hundred participants are expected will be canceled. Higher education also largely closes its doors: lessons are offered online as much as possible.
Primary, secondary and vocational schools, however, remain open. Because young people up to the age of twenty seem to be less susceptible to the virus, and moreover, the BV Netherlands would come to a standstill if employees had to take care of their children at home. The latter was repeatedly heard in the debate in the House of Representatives last night.
Education is not a shelter, and health should always be leading
“By not putting the education of pupils and the health of pupils and staff first in the debate, but by putting education as a shelter in the first place, a lot of confidence in the political assessment has been lost among the education staff”, says AObchairman Eugenie Stolk. “Education is not a shelter, and health must always be leading. Moreover, it is also difficult to understand why meetings with more than a hundred people are canceled, while schools with hundreds of students remain open. ”
Lung disease
Teachers also rightly ask questions about their own situation. “What if you as a teacher are vulnerable yourself - for example because you have diabetes or a lung disease”, Stolk wonders. Or if you have a vulnerable partner or, for example, vulnerable parents?
RIVM
Stolk does not want to call for schools to be closed. "Of course not. We will not take the seat of the RIVM. But we do expect more clarity from the cabinet and that they will continue to monitor it from hour to hour. And we bring our concerns to the attention of the minister this afternoon. ”
De AOb listed questions from teaching staff and answers. Read the 'Frequently asked questions about the corona virus'.
