The good news AnFI is that if we dont get a resurgence we may be able to reopen soon. I totally agree that the risk TO a fit 20 year old student is approaching zilch, although somewhat higher to certain instructors
I also think that we could take lessons from some HEMS operations that have adapted reusable P3 masks putting mics inside so they can be worn whenever in the cab. Together with good handwashing and aircraft cleaning or resting it would get us training or refreshing again before we all forget what to pull and push.....
But I am afraid the government figures for incidence were 0.11% last week in the general population and much higher in hospitals, care homes and some other areas. I dont totally trust them but you cant just lop off a zero with no evidence - the vaccine testing issue is because they need someone who has not been infected to become infected in the next week or so and that would have been difficult even at the peak because you cant knowingly infect them. Equally the majority of healthy / young people (ie the students) never have symptoms, and the 3 question questionnaire is worse still as a filter. In our hospital studies with 15% of staff antibody positive, less than 3% recall any symptoms!
I would support an antibody positive instructor teaching an antibody positive student, but the government is understandably terrified of allowing immunity certificates.
We share your frustration!