From the Editors: Schools should not lower the guard against COVID-19

UAE TAKES THE RIGHT DECISION TO REOPEN SCHOOLS WITH CAUTION: Education authorities have cautiously opened schools on January 3 after the winter break. More than a million students across the country have resumed classes under strict COVID-19 protocol. While Abu Dhabi opted for online classes only for the first two weeks of January, Dubai and Sharjah continue to offer hybrid learning system giving students choice either to attend in person of continue taking classes online. Whatever the mode of education may be, schools should not lower the guard against COVID-19 especially when there has been a surge in number of cases during the last one week. Parents and students must also cooperate with schools in fight against the pandemic to ensure safety of all. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

IS THE UK’S MIX AND MATCH COVID-19 VACCINE REGIMEN A RISK? COVID-19 has been disastrous for every country in the world but it appears that the UK may have a different vaccination protocol. Both the AstraZeneca and Pfizer's shots have been authorized for use in the UK and they both require people to have two shots, several weeks apart, to be effective. However, if there was to be a shortage of either, the government says it would be ok to mix-and-match them... There are lives at stake, and extreme caution is required here. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

ARE EQUITY INVESTORS SLEEP WALKING INTO A BUBBLE? Global stock indices have been climbing to dizzying heights as the equity valuations bloated across the board. There is no easy explanations of investor returns multiplying several folds when all economic indicators pointing to the opposite direction. With multiple stimulus measures and interest rates near zero, an avalanche of liquidity is being channeled into equities is one reason for the current market frenzy. While it is difficult to predict when a rally is turning from logical to irrational, there are telltale signs. A big spike in new issuances, heightened volatility and an utter disregard for valuations based on fundamentals could eventually add up. [COMMENT BY: Babu Das Augustine, Business Editor]

ARTETA AND ARSENAL ON THE TOP: Mikel Arteta can breathe a little easier after a piviotal week for Arsenal. The Spanish coach believes his side have turned a corner and are finally climbibng up the league table. Arteta said the prospects for Arsenal’s season are “completely different” after thrashing West Brom 4-0 to complete three Premier League wins in eight days. Prior to last weekend, the Gunners had gone eight league games without a win to find themselves battling at the bottom end of the table. But nine points from nine has propelled Arsenal back into contention for the European places. “I’m so happy we were able to achieve the target that we had because the table looks completely different,” said Arteta, who had found his job under threat just four months on from winning the FA Cup. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

VARUN DHAWAN DECLARES 2021 AS YEAR OF VACCINE: Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan’s declaration, calling 2021 ‘year of the vaccine’ really isn’t off the mark. After a 2020 that has seen the world literally come to a standstill, with economies tumbling, the news of a vaccine to overcome the coronavirus comes as a lifeline to many individuals and businesses that have struggled to survive. The Bollywood industry itself has struggled to find a footing in this new world with Dhawan (a COVID-19 survivor himself) taking his movie to a digital platform after months of delay. Whether or not 2021 comes with its own set of issues, the vaccine does hold promise for a healthier tomorrow for us all. That in itself is a reason to celebrate. [Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]