Thread by @TimLaheyMD

Deciding whether and how to reopen schools this fall is controversial

Esteemed parenting writer @JessLahey & I give evidence-based guidance in a new @WashingtonPost story. Here are some take-home points

(THREAD)

washingtonpost.com/back-to-school…

First, there is no 1-size-fits-all answer. Variable local epidemiology & the different needs of each family & child mean we must individualize. It’s a huge challenge we have to face together

(2/20)

This is a balancing act. There is risk of COVID-19 spread on one hand, and the critical role schools play for our kids and in our society on the other. Don’t be swayed by arguments that only consider one side of this story.

(3/20)

Key point: There is strong evidence that going back to school can be safe, even in the age of COVID-19.

learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/reopen…

(4/20)

School based outbreaks do occur, but in general there is good evidence that kids have not been major drivers of the COVID-19 pandemic

pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/146/2/…

(5/20)

There are real risks, though. Israel famously had to reclose many schools after reopening this spring

wsj.com/articles/israe…

(6/20)

Georgia and Indiana both experienced vivid examples of how reopening schools might have to be walked back if COVID comes back to town

nytimes.com/2020/07/31/hea…

nytimes.com/2020/08/01/us/…?

(7/20)

Important point made by Kristina Bryant, president of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society: we can’t keep the nation’s schools closed indefinitely. We need to harness the same creativity that keeps hospitals open on behalf of our schools.

(8/20)

That is true. It is also true that closing schools can be a critical tool when COVID-18 surges out of control. Sometimes we have to use the nuclear option.

jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/…

(9/20)

To balance these risks, we developed a tool parents can make decisions for their own family. This can complement local #PublicHealth guidance. Importantly, every family is different. We need to respect each others’ decisions.

(10/20)

Beyond making the right decision for each family, there are critical ways parents can raise their voices and advocate for the right safety measures in schools. These include….

(11/20)

Define when to reclose schools if COVID-19 surges locally

nytimes.com/2020/07/14/us/…

(12/20)

Transparent enforcement of age- appropriate mask guidelines and limits on crowding. Follow the science people!

thelancet.com/journals/lance…

(13/20)

Prioritize in-person learning for young kids and others who really need it

(14/20)

Use online and hybrid learning for other kids. Parents: online education is hard. If done quickly, it can be good, but not great. We are going to have to cut teachers some slack here. They are doing the best they can in an unprecedented time.

(15/20)

Attend to adequate ventilation in schools, in part by holding class outside if possible and via updating ventilation systems

(16/20)

Provide hand sanitizer where appropriate

(17/20)

Collaborate with public health officials, including hiring more school nurses!

higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NASN/3870c72d-…

(18/20)

This all takes strong political support, and in many cases funding. Parents are a powerful political block. Push elected leaders to do the right thing, and let them know you will not accept making masks and other science a political football.

(19/20)

Good science can help us balance these priorities together. COVID is not primarily a test of our political convictions. It is a test of our flexibility, resourcefulness and, above all, our humanity.

Stay safe out there! Oh, and by the way, yes we can

(20/20)