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Q: Should schools open?
I look at my ten year old daughter and know we need to get this right. For her, for all the other kids, and society. Understanding there is no certainty, only choices.
A: Schools should open. In-person. With precautions for distancing. This fall. 1/
I look at my ten year old daughter and know we need to get this right. For her, for all the other kids, and society. Understanding there is no certainty, only choices.
A: Schools should open. In-person. With precautions for distancing. This fall. 1/
It’s been a year of unknowns. A novel virus was doing untold damage in China and was now ravaging Europe. What comes next? Academic modeling showed us worst-case scenarios. Major policy decisions were enacted and society was brought a halt. It was the tough and right call. 2/
Fast forward to Summer 2020 and we know a lot more. We’ve failed in some areas and succeeded in others. The vaccine will come but certain areas of life simply can’t wait for it. And we have real-world data to assist us in shining light on the areas which were previously dark. 3/
We know the virus has a much lower infection fatality rate than previously feared. We know most of those infected will suffer only minor symptoms. We know almost all of those infected will recover. We know our aging population is uniquely susceptible to the virus’s ugly power. 4/
We also know that, while not immune, young people rarely transmit the virus to another—and almost never die from it. What a bright spot in the midst of so much suffering and sadness. I don’t want to imagine a world where COVID was as virulent to the young as it is the old. 5/
School districts should provide flexibility via online learning for those children/parents either uncomfortable with opening or with unique circumstances. And accommodation should be made for teachers who are unsure or in high-risk demos. But children in school is essential. 6/
Extended closures will do more harm to our children than what science shows the virus can deliver. Kids deserve the consistency and humanity of face-to-face learning, as well as the social, emotional, and mental stability which daily education provides. It’s time to open. /end
