It’s clear not enough is being done to ensure a safe return to schools. Covid-19 numbers are low but rising, and what progress we’ve made will be lost if we mishandle this crucial transition. We at #Masks4Canada we are recommending an approach with the following points

1) Masks K-12: There is increasing evidence that kids spread Covid with gusto. This is a big but necessary cultural change, but it has to be done. Start preparing your kids to wear them, make it fun, make it a game.

Some resources:
https://masks4canada.org/resources/for-parents-educators/

2) HVAC - a crucial and overlooked step. modern hospitals can exchange air rapidly, many older schools don't. Schools need to be tested. Windows must be opened, HEPA filters installed in rooms or added to central HVAC systems. Avoid any enclosed spaces with stagnant air

This is a great primer on ventilation: http://poppendieck.com/IAQ/COVID19%20FAQ.html

As is this thread: https://twitter.com/DavidElfstrom/status/1290456575086403584

and this article: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/08/15/what-you-need-to-know-about-ventilation-as-ontario-prepares-for-back-to-school-in-the-age-of-covid-19.html

3) Cohorting and Distancing - class sizes: not more than 15 in a group, and kept apart from each other. Start times should be staggered, buses should be spaced out as well. This great thread by @DGBassani describes what worked in Denmark: https://twitter.com/DGBassani/status/1294707856462295041?s=20

Hire more teachers, find volunteers. Use unconventional spaces when possible, school boards should start locating these all over the community. Toronto Public Health is taking the lead and working to secure closed libraries and other buildings https://twitter.com/joe_cressy/status/1295804779432747008

4) Rapid testing - each student and staff should take a rapid test, or a pooled test in their cohort like NBA players. It could be the Salivadirect protocol, or through test strips, this is crucial to keep everyone safe. I describe it more detail here: https://twitter.com/KashPrime/status/1291708698537218050

5) Outbreaks: how will your school manage students who test positive and isolating contacts? @imgrund compiles great infographics on each school board’s preparations. It looks like most in the Toronto area will fall short, but is getting better https://twitter.com/imgrund/status/1294517310649184256?s=20

Contact your school board, local and provincial politicians. Let them know your concerns and what you want them to do. @spaiglass and volunteers have compiled phone numbers and written scripts to use for you to call your local leaders:

https://masks4canada.org/resources/calls-to-action/

Teaching our kids to wear masks will be difficult, but we’ve created some colouring pages and other resources to help get used to the idea. If they can be toilet trained, they can learn to do this!

https://masks4canada.org/resources/for-kids/