THREAD: Covid cases are accelerating across the U.S. and we have some hard months ahead. We are at the beginning of exponential spread in many states. We need to take steps now to preserve life, and know that things will get better, and 2021 will be a very different year. 1/n

We’ll have better technology and therapeutics to address risk and protect people. We’ll have more experience caring for the sick. We’ll see infections decline as we get through this surge and enter spring. We must take steps to preserve and elevate what’s most important to us 2/n

That must include preserving in class learning for kids and re-opening schools. There are steps we can take right now to make sure kids can be back in school as current surge subsides, or keep more kids in school where classes are open. It starts with helping protect teachers 3/n

We need more data on what worked in schools that successfully opened. For schools that can’t de-densify classes, we should provide resources for testing as an added layer of safety. We need to support schools with resources. This must be among our highest national priorities. 4/n

Many schools that successfully opened implemented masks, distancing, hybrid models to reduce class size. What works best? We need accurate data on this collected experience to inform decisions; provide confidence when and how schools can safely reopen to in-class instruction. 5/n

The hardest stretch of this painful pandemic may be ahead; but despite our collective weariness we’re much better prepared to deal with it. This acute phase will subside. We can look to a better future. We should prioritize now elements of normal life we want to get back first.