I recognize a lot of names in the list of authors
Classmates
Colleagues
Mentors
They are wise, and know far more about #InfectiousDiseases and #epidemiology than I do
It is important to look at what this report does and does not say
covid19-sciencetable.ca/wp-content/upl…
@COVIDSciOntario
I don’t think there is anyone who would disagree with the message in these slides
Closing schools is a bad thing
Remote learning is disruptive and can lead to worse educational outcomes
As with everything in this #pandemic, poor and marginalized families far worst
But…
In this slide the #ScienceTable argues that vaccination reduces the risks to children
Currently less than 50% of the 5-11 cohort is double vaccinated
Once again the risk is greatest for our #children with comorbidities or low socioeconomic status
They admit they don’t know…
In this slide @COVIDSciOntario tells us measures other than school closures would have a better effect in reducing spread
Like
#PaidSickDays?
#VaccineMandates?
#SafeWorkplaces?
Working from home?
#Ontario has not implemented these measures adequately or at all
…/
I agree that “tailored #vaccination strategies are a great idea
Any such initiatives have been local - there has been Zero leadership from #MOE or @Sflecce
Lots of talk about adequate #ventilation yet reports on the ground that most classrooms remain unsafe
What’s more…
For 2 years the govt has refused to create #safeschools with reduced #ClassSize to allow #PhysicalDistancing
Screening is deplorable
Access to tests almost non-existent
#MOE telling schools not to inform parents unless 30% of the school is off sick
And regarding #PPE…
Regarding #PPE
@COVIDSciOntario recommends “High quality well-fitting #masks” for everyone
Yet #MOE is distributing an inadequate supply of N95/KN95 to staff and #teachers, and loose-fitting three-ply masks to #students
Plus they will be maskless when eating
My interpretation of the report from @COVIDSciOntario is that school closures are bad for #students
They list measures that can create #SafeSchools
But what the report DOES NOT say is that the @fordnation govt has taken the steps needed to safely open schools
Because it hasn’t
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