Schools: Is it safe to open schools? Yes, but ...a look at the considerations

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Thu, 2021-02-18 13:37 — mike kraft

Is it safe to open schools? Yes, but ... Going back to school is frightening for many teachers and parents, especially with coronavirus rates remaining at high levels and new variants of the coronavirus emerging. And yet the negative consequences of all-remote learning are significant, too. Laura Meckler, Karin Brulliard, Brittany Shammas Washington Post

For months, school districts throughout the country have struggled with whether and how to reopen buildings that, in some cases, have been shuttered for nearly a year. With bullish talk and promised support, President Biden raised expectations that reopenings would accelerate this spring.

The stakes are enormous. Going back is frightening for many teachers and parents, especially with coronavirus rates remaining at high levels and new variants of the virus emerging. And yet the negative consequences of all-remote learning are significant, too. Children are forfeiting academic progress and struggling emotionally. Some parents are unable to work while their children are at home.

But sorting out the science of the matter has been complicated for administrators and parents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention weighed in last week with a detailed set of guidelines that answered many questions but raised others.

In a review of the science, the CDC found in-person schooling has not been associated with substantial transmission in the wider community. Multiple studies found transmission rates inside schools are similar to, or lower than, levels in the community when mitigation steps are in place.

A study of 11 North Carolina school districts holding in-person learning last fall found minimal transmission even when community transmission was high. These schools implemented and adhered to strict mitigation strategies, including universal mask use and physical distancing inside buildings, the CDC noted. Similar results were found in studies in Italy, Switzerland, Chicago and elsewhere.

When school-based transmission has been reported, it has been more common between adults than from or among students. And while children can get covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, they are less likely to have symptoms, and growing evidence shows that those younger than 10 transmit it less efficiently than older children.

What precautions are needed to safely return to school?

The CDC has laid out protocols for a safe return to schools. Most important is mandatory and proper use of masks for all people in the building. Other key policies include proper handwashing, with adequate supplies to do so; cleaning and maintaining facilities; and contact tracing to ensure that people in close contact with those who are infected quarantine at home. ...

Some teachers unions have called for educators to be vaccinated before returning to classrooms. A CDC advisory committee recommends that states put them into the second-highest priority level, with other essential workers. But where teachers fall in line varies widely state to state, and experts say it could be months before all teachers get the shots. ...

ALSO SEE: V.P. Harris says teachers should be given priority for COVID-19 vaccine

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