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I am writing this in response to the recent appeal from the "Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Pane" for information regarding the impact of the pandemic on children.
I have a 6 year old daughter in school in Jersey. There are many issues that have arisen over the past 14 months which have affected the progression of our children. I feel that the teachers at Grouville school have done what they can in challenging circumstances and I applaud their efforts. There have been some great online tools which have really helped with home schooling but the measures taken by the states of Jersey have had an impact on the freedom to interact and play with others which will likely have lasting implications for many of the youngsters. Kids need interaction of all kinds our choices to combat Covid-19 have limited those interactions. I think that initially these measures were understandable. Prudence is wise when there are unknowns as a fair risk analysis is challenging. Now that we have far more information available, I think, it is time for a new risk assessment to be done.
If you take the time to look at the statistics regarding covid-19 and understand the rudimentary principles of viruses, vaccines, immunity, preventative measures and read the medical testimonies regarding successful treatments of the covid-19, subsequent studies and papers then the future doesn't look so dark. I think it is time for us to move on and return to the old norm having learned some very valuable lessons.
What I would like to see from the States, not just education, is some independent thinking. That is taking a stand based on the scientific and statistical learnings from all over the world. We have a tendency to do what the UK does. True, there are discrepancies but our trend is to follow the UK. This is why I am less interested in what has happened and more focussed on securing a safe and prosperous future for my daughter. As a result I feel I have to speak out regarding the apparent will to inject children in the UK with one of the trial shots. It is extremely concerning and I hope very much that Jersey has no intention of following on this front.
The risk Covid-19 poses to an unvaccinated child is incredibly small. Combine this with a robust immune system and some very apparent safety concerns about the current covid-19 trial shots and you have to question why anyone under the age of 50 without a serious underlying medical condition would take it. Freedom is all about being allowed to make an educated choices without coercion. Please don't misunderstand I believe that vaccine's have a vital role to play in the world but the implications of taking them should be shared openly and fairly. At present that is not the case.
So in summary, the impacts to children and society in general from covid-19 measures are unfortunate. If you wish to plot a course and improve our children's lives then lift the measures and allow society to return to normal.