Whether universities should open depends on staff health concerns

Staff health concerns have been a major factor in deciding whether or not schools should open, and worries of spreading the COVID-19 virus has been a major concern for teachers and staff. With many teachers and students already adjusting to the online learning scenario, some teachers have already gone back to regular in-class learning. Though many teachers were reluctant to go back to teaching in-person, their dedication to their career and students left them with no other options. Since the re-opening of schools and universities in August, at least six teachers have died due to COVID-19, alarming fellow teachers and staff, as well as their students.^[1] The rising number of cases and deaths since the re-opening of schools has caused alarm for many teachers and students, especially for those who are at high risk for contracting the virus in COVID-19 hot spots. Children and younger students have a lower risk of experiencing severe symptoms compared to adults, who are at higher risk. Though the risk is lower for students, schools and universities should not impose on putting their staff at risk, with the death rate much lower for younger students than it is for elderly staff. ^[2] Staffing shortages have also played a major role in deciding to re-open schools. If most staff members are concerned about their health, they will most likely not return. This can cause a staffing issue in universities and schools, with not enough teachers to teach in person. Until the number of COVID-19 cases goes down, teachers and students should resort to online schooling for the time being to avoid shortages in staff.