Epidemiologist says no restrictions needed when students go back to classrooms

An international epidemiologist is of the view that children in Barbados should be allowed to resume school with no restrictions.

Dr Paul Alexander, a former COVID pandemic evidence-synthesis advisor to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), maintained that the science shows that children do not transmit the virus to other children or adults.

He made the comments on Thursday morning during a webinar entitled Considering Current Global Pandemic Threats, Are COVID-19 Vaccines Necessary For Children And The Wider Barbadian Population?, hosted by The Spiritually Aware Group in conjunction with Rapha Revival Ministries in Trinidad and The House of Freedom Ministries, Barbados.

Dr Alexander, who is providing support to some members of the US Congress as well as truckers in Canada who are fighting a vaccine mandate, said children should never have been prevented from attending face-to-face classes.

“When we look at all of the science today, it shows that children are at such low risk that children actually should be allowed to be in in-person school with normal, routine contact…. We are speaking based on the science and the science has been clear 23 months now that children have near zero risk. We should have never, ever, ever, ever, ever closed schools,” insisted Dr Alexander, who was also a top appointee of former US President Donald Trump.

“….I’m giving you my point of view and I’m speaking based on the science and based on the review of the evidence we have done. So, my point of view is back to school, no masks, no distancing…it doesn’t work. Ask your Government where is the data showing you the study to support three feet or six feet or any feet?

“The data for 22 months shows us that children do not spread this virus. Children do not spread this virus to children, children do not spread it to adults, children do not take it home, unlike seasonal influenza where children drive it home. A child is never the index case. In fact, the school is the safest place for the child and school is the safest place for teachers.”

On the other hand, founder and Senior Pastor of the House of Freedom Ministry, Dr Ferdinand Nicholls called for some protocols to be in place by the time face-to-face classes resume later this month.

He said he believed testing, the use of face masks and social distancing among students should be encouraged.

“What I would say is that I believe we need to probably engage aspects of testing with the children when they are arriving at school,” Pastor Nicholls said. “We are aware of the fact that there are some aspects of testing that may be done that will make it possible for children to come to school without being vaccinated and we are aware of alternative treatments.” randybennett@barbadostoday.bb