The letter regarding kids and schools published yesterday is deeply problematic. It assumes knowledge of transmission in schools.
One of our top paediatric research institutes, MCRI, states we don't understand this and has an open study to address it. 1/N
MCRI Website: "Ultimately, we need more evidence to understand how coronavirus(COVID-19) is spread in schools and ECEC, inform the best way to respond to outbreaks, and ensure that children, students and staff are supported and can continue to learn and thrive in 2021"
The research will also: "...... increase knowledge about...the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on school and ECEC communities."
Sadly this research requires kids to be infected to be successful.
Given this research is not complete, and the strong negative response from teachers, staff and parents, I would call on those who wrote the letter yesterday to issue a retraction and an apology to school communities.
It will be important that we protect schools as we don't want this project being overwhelmed with 'data'.
We need a plan for schools other than 'let it rip'.
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The Schools letter sent to governments today has upset many.
It is poor comms, but beyond that there are some very significant erroneous statements. The most prominent for me is the lack understanding of the vaccination status of 18+ in Victoria - Currently at 18% booster
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"With wide community circulation and all parents, grandparents and high-risk community members having had an opportunity to get vaccinated, the general population will not be at higher risk of severe disease with schools re-opening."
This statement should be ignored.
Patronising parents:
"We recognise that mitigation measures such as improved ventilation and/or masks may help parents and teachers feel more comfortable with the return to school and that this is an important consideration."
Covid is actually airborne!!
"feel" ??
SCHOOLS:
There are 578,499 kids (approx) between 5-11 in Victoria.
ATAGI has approved 3 week interval for Pfizer as an outbreak response.
Earliest possible dose 2 = January 31
So delay in person start by 4 weeks to allow all kids eligible to be vaccinated. New Start 28 Feb. 1/7
AIR QUALITY:
Every classroom and common space must have at least 1 HEPA filter and adequate airflow (windows/doors).
Where windows cannot be used, additional HEPA filters should be provided.
Urgent deployment - January-February
HYBRID MODE:
Even with a delayed start some students will get sick. All in person classes should be live streamed for students at home (no separate home learning online).