Close the Schools Now
We must shut down schools immediately and keep them closed throughout the winter months. This is not negotiable. Experts from The New York Times warn of an impending COVID-19 surge, compounded by the fact that one in four teachers is at heightened risk for infection. Public health officials have urged people to stay home during the holiday season, yet reports indicate that nearly 40% of Americans intended to attend large gatherings for Thanksgiving. Air travel reached record levels over that weekend, with over a million individuals passing through TSA screening, according to CNN.
If we want to control this surge, closing schools is essential—not just to protect students and staff, but also to mitigate a broader public health crisis.
Children and COVID-19: The Facts
Do you think children are immune to COVID-19? The Washington Post reports that there were 144,000 new cases among children in the week ending November 18. Some parents are even choosing not to test their children, so the full extent of the issue remains unclear. Studies indicate that asymptomatic children can carry a viral load higher than that of infected adults in intensive care. This means your child might be unknowingly sick and spreading the virus to others.
Every time you send your child to school, you risk exposing teachers and classmates, some of whom may be in vulnerable categories. My partner, for instance, falls into that high-risk group. If your child were to contract COVID-19 and pass it on to him, it could lead to severe complications. In my state alone, there have been 1,267 reported cases among faculty and staff, with many high schools recording multiple infections among students.
The Inadequacies of Current School Safety Measures
When discussing the safety of reopening schools, we must consider the necessary precautions: consistent social distancing, mandatory mask-wearing, and proper ventilation. However, as ProPublica notes, many schools are not enforcing mask mandates. Visualize a classroom with 12-30 students and one teacher in close quarters for ninety minutes. Research shows that mere mask-wearing is insufficient if exposure lasts for extended periods. Implementing distancing and improved ventilation is also crucial.
Can you realistically keep twenty first-graders six feet apart? Or ensure kindergarteners wear their masks properly all day? It’s not feasible, is it? Moreover, many schools lack adequate ventilation systems. According to Edweek, over 36,000 schools across 41% of American districts need upgrades to their heating and air systems. This means your child could be sitting in an environment that promotes the spread of COVID-19.
The Winter Surge is Imminent
The CDC predicts that we could see as many as 2.5 million new COVID-19 cases before Christmas, along with a significant rise in deaths. Hospitals are already overwhelmed, particularly in the Midwest, where some facilities have had to halt elective surgeries. As Dr. Michael Luna from Harvard warns, we are likely on the brink of massive outbreaks that could escalate the current situation even further.
If we keep schools open, we are only exacerbating an already critical public health crisis. More children and teachers in one space lead to more infections and potential fatalities, further straining our healthcare systems.
Challenges of Closing Schools
We recognize that closing schools poses challenges, especially for working parents and essential workers. However, we managed similar situations in the spring, and a new stimulus package could help alleviate some of the financial burdens. When schools close, they must also serve as distribution points for children facing food insecurity.
Winter is approaching, and COVID-19 cases will rise. If we do not close schools now, we are simply adding fuel to an already raging fire.
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