Thread by @jonlevyBU

Kids return to school in 5 days. If we don’t have #BetterMasks (and more) for all staff and students, schools might technically stay open but with no one to teach or learn. Local and state leaders need to get these masks immediately to distribute staring Monday.

Universal #BetterMasks alone can reduce exposure dramatically relative to universal cloth masks, let alone no masks. They can be more comfortable than cloth, and you could get through the next couple of months for < $20 per person paying retail.

Cost is prohibitive for some families, and many districts couldn’t afford to provide masks for all. Where the gov won’t help, maybe PTOs can step up? Bulk purchase where those who can afford subsidize for those who can’t? State help for low-income districts? Let’s get creative.

For those skeptical that their kids will tolerate #BetterMasks or not sure which are best for a given kid, you could have a central purchase of multiple types with a “mask selection fair” at the school, where kids can try them on. Show videos at assembly on what good fit means.

Obviously ventilation and filtration are also crucial, though less can be done in the next few days (but open any windows that can be opened, and run portable HEPA if you have them).

The weak link is lunchtime. Warm weather places should eat outside when physical space allows. Personally I think kids can eat outside even in colder climates except on extreme days - sitting in 40 degree weather for 10 minutes won’t cause them to dissolve.

Many who say it is cruel to have kids eat lunch outside undoubtedly take their kids to football games or New Year’s Eve fireworks when temperatures are low. Yes, I know supervision logistics get complex and many schools don’t have adequate space. And some places are too cold.

But we should do as much as we can wherever we can. And if you can’t do the outdoor lunch layer, add a different layer. Wherever you sit on the political spectrum, we all want schools open and safe. Let’s come together and make that happen.

We don’t need these measures forever. But the next couple of months with #Omicron will be very difficult. Add protection now for our kids and teachers, and to keep working parents able to work. We can dial back later.