by Richard Bailey Writers for Science Magazine have been tracking the effect of returning to school. “By early June, more than 20 countries had [reopened schools.} . . . It was a vast, uncontrolled experiment.” When Science looked at reopening strategies . . . some encouraging patterns emerged.” What seems to work? These investigators discovered that “a combination of keeping student groups small and requiring masks and some social distancing helps keep schools and communities safe. . . “ They noted that “younger children rarely spread the virus to one another or bring it home.” Putting the risk in perspective, Otto Helve, a pediatric infectious disease specialist said, “Outbreaks in schools are inevitable. ‘But there is good news.’ Based Dr. Helve’s findings, Science reported that, “with some changes to schools’ daily routines, he says, the benefits of attending school seem to outweigh the risks—at least where community infection rates are low and officials are standing by to identify and isolate cases and close contacts.” Time to open? What do you think? [From “School openings across globe suggest ways to keep coronavirus at bay, despite outbreaks” By Jennifer Couzin-Frankel, Gretchen Vogel, Meagan Weiland, Science Magazine, July 7, 2020.] Author: adminfresnotimes
