From early 2020 to the end of 2021, students have experienced the crippling affliction that the pandemic caused. We can all agree on the effect COVID-19 had physically, mentally, socially, and financially from this pandemic. As we continue our blind battle with the virus, the New York City Department of Education is battling with the government, still deciding whether or not to close schools. We have experienced online learning for a year and now we are back in person. However, COVID-19 still remains constant in spreading in our city and state of New York. With the new variant, Omicron, the students of schools fear what is to come as cases occur each day. Now the real question remains: Should the Department of Education go virtual? 

According to the Daily COVID Case Map, the total number of people infected in schools has been increasing each day. As of February 1, 2022, there were 163 COVID-19 cases reported. 135 students and 26 staff were tested positive. As of February 2, 2022, there were 835 COVID-19 cases reported. 672 students and 163 staff were tested positive. As can be seen, the total number of people affected by this virus has risen in the span of a day. From September 13, 2021 to February 2, 2022, the total number of reported cases have summed up to 170, 680. This site updates Sunday through Friday at 6:00 pm and can be checked for weekly and daily reports. The statistics show the surge of COVID-19 cases to which can be implied as to the effects of our community. Therefore, an option for virtual learning should be available in order to decrease the percentage rate of COVID-19 cases.  
Some would say that schools are better open in person while others would argue that it would be better to close schools and resume online learning. Personally, we believe that the Department of Education should in fact resort to virtual school for a few months until COVID-19 subsides.