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Forfeited Games and Virtual Learning: Coronavirus Shuts Down Schools Forfeited Games and Virtual Learning: Coronavirus Shuts Down Schools
(7 days later)
SAN FRANCISCO — After months of training and competition, the girls’ soccer team at Lowell High School in San Francisco could taste another title.SAN FRANCISCO — After months of training and competition, the girls’ soccer team at Lowell High School in San Francisco could taste another title.
The players were on their home field last Thursday, preparing to play a state semifinal game, when Lowell’s coach gathered her team. But this was not a final pep talk. It was bad news.The players were on their home field last Thursday, preparing to play a state semifinal game, when Lowell’s coach gathered her team. But this was not a final pep talk. It was bad news.
The entire school of 2,700 students was closing until further notice after a student’s parent had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The game was off. The team would have to forfeit and give up its chance to win a third consecutive state championship.The entire school of 2,700 students was closing until further notice after a student’s parent had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The game was off. The team would have to forfeit and give up its chance to win a third consecutive state championship.
“The fact that something so out of our control ruined our chances of advancing really sucks,” said Sarah Ginsburg, 16, a junior forward.“The fact that something so out of our control ruined our chances of advancing really sucks,” said Sarah Ginsburg, 16, a junior forward.
As the virus continues to spread across the country, more and more schools are choosing to close their doors in an effort to protect their students. That has elicited an array of emotions, from fear to frustration, as well as a host of questions from parents and students. If there is an outbreak, there could be widespread, long-term school closures, and that has caused concerns over how it will affect learning, burden families and upend communities.As the virus continues to spread across the country, more and more schools are choosing to close their doors in an effort to protect their students. That has elicited an array of emotions, from fear to frustration, as well as a host of questions from parents and students. If there is an outbreak, there could be widespread, long-term school closures, and that has caused concerns over how it will affect learning, burden families and upend communities.
Lowell, part of the San Francisco Unified School District and one of the state’s highest- performing schools, was the city’s first public school to close.Lowell, part of the San Francisco Unified School District and one of the state’s highest- performing schools, was the city’s first public school to close.
On Saturday, the Elk Grove Unified School District, Northern California’s largest, announced it was closing for at least a week after a relative living with multiple students in the district tested positive for the virus. The district has 63,000 students spread across 67 schools in the Sacramento area.On Saturday, the Elk Grove Unified School District, Northern California’s largest, announced it was closing for at least a week after a relative living with multiple students in the district tested positive for the virus. The district has 63,000 students spread across 67 schools in the Sacramento area.
In the Seattle area, there have been several short-term school closures for cleaning. But the Northshore School District, after several individual school closures, announced it was closing the entire district for up to two weeks. Its more than 23,000 students will convert to online learning in the meantime.In the Seattle area, there have been several short-term school closures for cleaning. But the Northshore School District, after several individual school closures, announced it was closing the entire district for up to two weeks. Its more than 23,000 students will convert to online learning in the meantime.
And at Saint Raphael Academy, a private Catholic school in Pawtucket, R.I., administrators announced that the school would be closed this week after chaperones and a student who had traveled to Italy on a school trip tested positive for the virus.And at Saint Raphael Academy, a private Catholic school in Pawtucket, R.I., administrators announced that the school would be closed this week after chaperones and a student who had traveled to Italy on a school trip tested positive for the virus.
The situation is “like a huge snowstorm or a hurricane, in that it requires calm, and it requires people to dig deep and look out for each other, but it’s different,” said Holly Taylor Coolman, 53, whose two teenagers at the school will now be switching to “virtual learning” for the next two weeks. “I’m trying myself to really look for the positives,” she said.The situation is “like a huge snowstorm or a hurricane, in that it requires calm, and it requires people to dig deep and look out for each other, but it’s different,” said Holly Taylor Coolman, 53, whose two teenagers at the school will now be switching to “virtual learning” for the next two weeks. “I’m trying myself to really look for the positives,” she said.
It is not clear how effective school closings are during virus outbreaks, said Dr. Jeff Duchin, health officer for the Seattle and King County Public Health agency. Diseases spread faster among people in close quarters, a factor that often drives decisions to close schools. But schools in the Seattle area closed during the H1N1 pandemic a decade ago, and “we saw tremendous community disruption,” Dr. Duchin said.It is not clear how effective school closings are during virus outbreaks, said Dr. Jeff Duchin, health officer for the Seattle and King County Public Health agency. Diseases spread faster among people in close quarters, a factor that often drives decisions to close schools. But schools in the Seattle area closed during the H1N1 pandemic a decade ago, and “we saw tremendous community disruption,” Dr. Duchin said.
Students continued to gather elsewhere, he said, and parents were burdened by having to stay home from work. Among them were health care workers who were unable to provide care because they had to attend to their children.Students continued to gather elsewhere, he said, and parents were burdened by having to stay home from work. Among them were health care workers who were unable to provide care because they had to attend to their children.
Many lower-income students also rely on schools for meals. Officials in New York City have said that they would close the public schools there only as a last resort, in part because about 114,000 students in the school system are homeless and may have nowhere else to get hot meals, medical care or even a place to wash their dirty laundry.Many lower-income students also rely on schools for meals. Officials in New York City have said that they would close the public schools there only as a last resort, in part because about 114,000 students in the school system are homeless and may have nowhere else to get hot meals, medical care or even a place to wash their dirty laundry.
State and federal officials have yet to require school closures, so for now the decisions are in the hands of individual districts and schools.State and federal officials have yet to require school closures, so for now the decisions are in the hands of individual districts and schools.
The Northshore district in Seattle made its decision to close after King County officials recommended that people 60 years of age or over, those who have medical conditions and pregnant women stay home. The over-60 population alone accounted for 500 employees in the district, including teachers, cafeteria workers and bus drivers.The Northshore district in Seattle made its decision to close after King County officials recommended that people 60 years of age or over, those who have medical conditions and pregnant women stay home. The over-60 population alone accounted for 500 employees in the district, including teachers, cafeteria workers and bus drivers.
Now parents and students are adjusting to their new reality for the next two weeks.Now parents and students are adjusting to their new reality for the next two weeks.
For Erin Peistrup, the mother of two school-aged children in the Northshore district, the sudden closure was manageable, if unwanted. She is a stay-at-home parent, a luxury that many other families don’t have. The district said it was looking for ways to assist at least 250 families who said they needed help with child care.For Erin Peistrup, the mother of two school-aged children in the Northshore district, the sudden closure was manageable, if unwanted. She is a stay-at-home parent, a luxury that many other families don’t have. The district said it was looking for ways to assist at least 250 families who said they needed help with child care.
Ms. Peistrup gave her 12-year-old sixth grader Thursday off as an “Xbox day,” but on Friday began getting ready for online classes to start on Monday. They checked out an extra laptop for her 7-year-old second-grader and moved a card table into his room, so that he and his older brother would not pester each other while they were supposed to be paying attention to school online. “He is just so excited to be playing school at home,” Ms. Peistrup said. “He has taped all of his logins and passwords on the wall.”Ms. Peistrup gave her 12-year-old sixth grader Thursday off as an “Xbox day,” but on Friday began getting ready for online classes to start on Monday. They checked out an extra laptop for her 7-year-old second-grader and moved a card table into his room, so that he and his older brother would not pester each other while they were supposed to be paying attention to school online. “He is just so excited to be playing school at home,” Ms. Peistrup said. “He has taped all of his logins and passwords on the wall.”
Her son’s excitement aside, Ms. Peistrup said she was managing her own expectations and hoping that her children could spend their home recess with her neighbors’ children.Her son’s excitement aside, Ms. Peistrup said she was managing her own expectations and hoping that her children could spend their home recess with her neighbors’ children.
Some parents were expressing frustration that the situation had arisen to begin with.Some parents were expressing frustration that the situation had arisen to begin with.
Some parents with children at Saint Raphael Academy in Rhode Island said they wondered why the students and chaperones who went on the trip to Italy were not more quickly quarantined after they returned.Some parents with children at Saint Raphael Academy in Rhode Island said they wondered why the students and chaperones who went on the trip to Italy were not more quickly quarantined after they returned.
On Feb. 22, a chaperone, a senior administrator in his 40s, was ill after coming home from the trip and did not report to school. The Rhode Island Department of Health became aware of his case on Feb. 26, officials have said, but did not have the capacity to test for coronavirus until Saturday, Feb. 29.On Feb. 22, a chaperone, a senior administrator in his 40s, was ill after coming home from the trip and did not report to school. The Rhode Island Department of Health became aware of his case on Feb. 26, officials have said, but did not have the capacity to test for coronavirus until Saturday, Feb. 29.
In the meantime, those who had also gone on the trip, including a teenager who later tested positive, were circulating on campus.In the meantime, those who had also gone on the trip, including a teenager who later tested positive, were circulating on campus.
After news of a possible exposure, the group that went on the trip went under self-quarantine, which ended Saturday. A second and larger group which was exposed to those people, representing around one-quarter of the student body, is also under a two-week self-quarantine.After news of a possible exposure, the group that went on the trip went under self-quarantine, which ended Saturday. A second and larger group which was exposed to those people, representing around one-quarter of the student body, is also under a two-week self-quarantine.
The entire student body will now remain home until March 13, spending “virtual days” at school online, said Nancy Cifune, the school’s communications director.The entire student body will now remain home until March 13, spending “virtual days” at school online, said Nancy Cifune, the school’s communications director.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Suzanne Arena, whose 16-year-old daughter attends the school, has complained about the state’s slow pace in releasing information about the risk of infection.Suzanne Arena, whose 16-year-old daughter attends the school, has complained about the state’s slow pace in releasing information about the risk of infection.
The teenage rumor mill was so active that she learned of the suspected case when another school’s cheerleading team refused to compete against Saint Raphael’s on Sunday morning, for fear of being exposed.The teenage rumor mill was so active that she learned of the suspected case when another school’s cheerleading team refused to compete against Saint Raphael’s on Sunday morning, for fear of being exposed.
“Imagine taking your daughter to a meet and having the other team say, ‘We’re not playing you because your faculty member has coronavirus,’” she said. “Is that normal? I expect more protection from my tax money that I pay to the Department of Health.”“Imagine taking your daughter to a meet and having the other team say, ‘We’re not playing you because your faculty member has coronavirus,’” she said. “Is that normal? I expect more protection from my tax money that I pay to the Department of Health.”
If there was a lag in response in Rhode Island, the opposite might be said for Lowell.If there was a lag in response in Rhode Island, the opposite might be said for Lowell.
At 2:14 p.m. on Thursday, Judy Chan Higa, who has two daughters at Lowell and another at a middle school in the district, received a two-sentence text message from the district: “Lowell HS is closing immediately. Phone call and email to follow.”At 2:14 p.m. on Thursday, Judy Chan Higa, who has two daughters at Lowell and another at a middle school in the district, received a two-sentence text message from the district: “Lowell HS is closing immediately. Phone call and email to follow.”
“It’s concerning but I’m not paranoid about it,” she said, adding that as a geriatric nurse, she had been preparing for the coronavirus to hit the wider community.“It’s concerning but I’m not paranoid about it,” she said, adding that as a geriatric nurse, she had been preparing for the coronavirus to hit the wider community.
The district has not identified the student whose parent tested positive, unnerving some students, said Kelly Higa, a 17-year-old junior at Lowell and one of Ms. Chan Higa’s daughters.The district has not identified the student whose parent tested positive, unnerving some students, said Kelly Higa, a 17-year-old junior at Lowell and one of Ms. Chan Higa’s daughters.
“It’s really scary because nobody knows who the student is, so everybody’s unsure if you have a class with the student or share a classroom from a different period,” she said. “We’re not sure how much contact we’ve had with that student.”“It’s really scary because nobody knows who the student is, so everybody’s unsure if you have a class with the student or share a classroom from a different period,” she said. “We’re not sure how much contact we’ve had with that student.”
District officials said the student had not shown any symptoms. The district was doing “enhanced cleaning” at Lowell, a district spokeswoman said in an email.District officials said the student had not shown any symptoms. The district was doing “enhanced cleaning” at Lowell, a district spokeswoman said in an email.
Sarah Ginsburg, the soccer player, said she believed the district overreacted by forfeiting their soccer game. Their opponents from Chico had already been on the field and shared a bathroom with them, she said, so it seemed too late to avoid any exposure.Sarah Ginsburg, the soccer player, said she believed the district overreacted by forfeiting their soccer game. Their opponents from Chico had already been on the field and shared a bathroom with them, she said, so it seemed too late to avoid any exposure.
“The hysteria can be more detrimental than the virus itself,” she said.“The hysteria can be more detrimental than the virus itself,” she said.
The disruptions to schools have extended into the community as well, with some families saying they felt ostracized because of their connection to the virus.The disruptions to schools have extended into the community as well, with some families saying they felt ostracized because of their connection to the virus.
Daniel Richard, the principal at Saint Raphael, sent an internal email to students and parents describing an incident at a restaurant where he had dinner with his wife. He said he wore a school jacket, and started getting glares from fellow diners. When someone approached him, he explained that he was not among those being quarantined, so he posed no particular risk to the community, he wrote in the email, which was posted on social media.Daniel Richard, the principal at Saint Raphael, sent an internal email to students and parents describing an incident at a restaurant where he had dinner with his wife. He said he wore a school jacket, and started getting glares from fellow diners. When someone approached him, he explained that he was not among those being quarantined, so he posed no particular risk to the community, he wrote in the email, which was posted on social media.
“As a faith-based school,” he wrote, “we need to remember to treat others respectfully even when we are the target of their misguided comments.”“As a faith-based school,” he wrote, “we need to remember to treat others respectfully even when we are the target of their misguided comments.”