Contradictheory: So, how safe are Malaysia's newly re-opened schools?

Primary schoolchildren lining up while maintaining physical distancing to enter their school compound in George Town on the first day of school on March 1, 2021. － LIM BENG TATT/The Star

So the kids began going back to school on March 1, 2021, whatever the Covid-19 colour of your state or area. Hopefully, parents all over Malaysia are spending extra time teaching children about adhering to the three Ws and avoiding the three Cs. (Quick reminder, that’s “Wash your hands”, “Wear a mask”, “Warn others”, while avoiding “Crowded places”, “Confined spaces”, and “Close conversation”.)

Clearly, the government believes it is safe to send children back to physical classes again even though schools are usually crowded and confined spaces. While parents might be questioning the decision, my take on the issue is: “What are we doing as a community to agree how best to keep people safe?”