Doubts about summer schools after the break

Some summer schools have recently stepped up their health and safety measures in view of the coronavirus surge but have question marks on whether they will reopen after the Santa Marija break this week.

The rise in cases has put children and their education back into the spotlight, with parents starting to wonder if their kids will return to their summer activities for the rest of the holidays.

This also brings forward far-reaching concerns surrounding the opening of schools next month, reaffirming parents’  worst fears.

Since restrictions were eased in July, several children have contracted the virus, including a child who attended summer school programme SkolaSajf.

Funsize Heroes in Naxxar is worried about the upcoming break as it will not be able to track children’s movements. It is hoping for cooperation.

“Unfortunately, it could be a turning point,” said coordinator Abigail Mifsud. “We have just come out of it and we are going back in with a bang.”

Mifsud said she had question marks about what would happen and felt “lost”, with the government not taking a stand and no direction from health authorities.

Everything hinged on developments next week, she said, stressing that...