This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/28/us/coronavirus-schools-reopen.html

The article has changed 44 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 13 Version 14
Despite Trump’s Nudging, Schools Are Likely to Stay Shut for Months Despite Trump’s Nudging, Schools Are Likely to Stay Shut for Months
(about 4 hours later)
SACRAMENTO — With students languishing, the economy stagnating and working parents straining to turn their kitchen tables into classrooms, the nation’s public schools have been working to bring children back to their desks, lockers and study halls.SACRAMENTO — With students languishing, the economy stagnating and working parents straining to turn their kitchen tables into classrooms, the nation’s public schools have been working to bring children back to their desks, lockers and study halls.
But despite President Trump’s prediction that “I think you’ll see a lot of schools open up,” all but a few states have suspended in-person classes for the rest of the academic year, and some are preparing for the possibility of shutdowns or part-time schedules in the fall.But despite President Trump’s prediction that “I think you’ll see a lot of schools open up,” all but a few states have suspended in-person classes for the rest of the academic year, and some are preparing for the possibility of shutdowns or part-time schedules in the fall.
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California raised the idea on Tuesday that the next academic year could start as soon as July, to make up for the abbreviated spring term. But he cautioned that “if we pull back too quickly,” a fresh wave of the coronavirus could erupt.Gov. Gavin Newsom of California raised the idea on Tuesday that the next academic year could start as soon as July, to make up for the abbreviated spring term. But he cautioned that “if we pull back too quickly,” a fresh wave of the coronavirus could erupt.
Illinois officials have gone even further, warning that remote learning could continue indefinitely. “This may be the new normal even in the fall,” said Janice Jackson, the chief executive of Chicago Public Schools.Illinois officials have gone even further, warning that remote learning could continue indefinitely. “This may be the new normal even in the fall,” said Janice Jackson, the chief executive of Chicago Public Schools.
Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey, who like Mr. Newsom has school-age children at home, is one of the few state leaders who has left open the prospect of schools reopening this spring — if several benchmarks are first met.Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey, who like Mr. Newsom has school-age children at home, is one of the few state leaders who has left open the prospect of schools reopening this spring — if several benchmarks are first met.
Whenever students do come back, classes are unlikely to look anything like the school days they remember. There may be staggered half-day classes or one-day-on, one-day-off schedules so desks can be spread out and buses can run half-empty.Whenever students do come back, classes are unlikely to look anything like the school days they remember. There may be staggered half-day classes or one-day-on, one-day-off schedules so desks can be spread out and buses can run half-empty.
Students can expect school equipment to be sterilized and meals to be served at their desks or in socially distanced lunchrooms. Masked teachers and temperature checks at school doorways may be common. Forget note-passing, study groups and recess. And if new outbreaks surface, virtual classes may abruptly start up again.Students can expect school equipment to be sterilized and meals to be served at their desks or in socially distanced lunchrooms. Masked teachers and temperature checks at school doorways may be common. Forget note-passing, study groups and recess. And if new outbreaks surface, virtual classes may abruptly start up again.
A few small, remote districts might try to reopen this spring, including the Shoshone School District in Lincoln County, Idaho, which serves 500 students. “We’re in the category of, ‘We don’t know,’” said Rob Waite, the superintendent. With small class sizes — the largest is 22 students — children could easily sit six feet apart. And on the bus, students who are not part of the same household could be assigned to sit in every other seat.A few small, remote districts might try to reopen this spring, including the Shoshone School District in Lincoln County, Idaho, which serves 500 students. “We’re in the category of, ‘We don’t know,’” said Rob Waite, the superintendent. With small class sizes — the largest is 22 students — children could easily sit six feet apart. And on the bus, students who are not part of the same household could be assigned to sit in every other seat.
“The No. 1 most important question we’re trying to ask is, is anything we’re doing putting our students in danger?” Mr. Waite said.“The No. 1 most important question we’re trying to ask is, is anything we’re doing putting our students in danger?” Mr. Waite said.
Officials are also aware that the economy cannot function normally until children have places to safely spend the day while their parents work. Mr. Trump’s nudge on Monday, which came during a conversation with governors, occurred as oil prices slid and desperate small businesses crashed a federal website processing loan applications.Officials are also aware that the economy cannot function normally until children have places to safely spend the day while their parents work. Mr. Trump’s nudge on Monday, which came during a conversation with governors, occurred as oil prices slid and desperate small businesses crashed a federal website processing loan applications.
In Georgia, where Gov. Brian Kemp has aggressively pushed to revive the economy, officials said that a return to school would be an essential part of restoring a semblance of normalcy.In Georgia, where Gov. Brian Kemp has aggressively pushed to revive the economy, officials said that a return to school would be an essential part of restoring a semblance of normalcy.
“I think it’s going to be a cornerstone,” said Matt Jones, the chief of staff for the Georgia Department of Education. “There are certain elements of our society that are part of the fabric of who we are, and public education, and schooling, is just one of those things.”“I think it’s going to be a cornerstone,” said Matt Jones, the chief of staff for the Georgia Department of Education. “There are certain elements of our society that are part of the fabric of who we are, and public education, and schooling, is just one of those things.”
But Mr. Kemp has joined most governors in canceling in-person education through the academic year, which ends for most of Georgia’s public schools in mid-May. Mr. Jones said some districts were considering a restart of classes, at least in some limited form, in July for summer remedial programs. Others are hoping to return to normal in the fall.But Mr. Kemp has joined most governors in canceling in-person education through the academic year, which ends for most of Georgia’s public schools in mid-May. Mr. Jones said some districts were considering a restart of classes, at least in some limited form, in July for summer remedial programs. Others are hoping to return to normal in the fall.
Districts are also feeling the economic impact of the pandemic, anticipating huge budget shortfalls. And teachers are eager to return to the classroom, saying they miss the energy of real-world interaction with students.Districts are also feeling the economic impact of the pandemic, anticipating huge budget shortfalls. And teachers are eager to return to the classroom, saying they miss the energy of real-world interaction with students.
Then there are the educational concerns. To make up for lost classroom time, schools may need to provide remedial instruction, additional special-education services and counseling, said Robin Lake, director of the Center on Reinventing Public Education.Then there are the educational concerns. To make up for lost classroom time, schools may need to provide remedial instruction, additional special-education services and counseling, said Robin Lake, director of the Center on Reinventing Public Education.
Policy experts are also debating whether students who lag behind in key skills should be held back a grade, or advanced with extra catch-up support.Policy experts are also debating whether students who lag behind in key skills should be held back a grade, or advanced with extra catch-up support.
Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City, who announced this month that the city’s 1.1 million students would not return to classrooms until September, has said that many children will have to make up for months of lost learning despite the city’s shift to remote instruction.Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City, who announced this month that the city’s 1.1 million students would not return to classrooms until September, has said that many children will have to make up for months of lost learning despite the city’s shift to remote instruction.
But there is also a pervasive fear about what it would mean to bring students and teachers back together too quickly, given all that is unknown about how the virus spreads. Forcing educators to work at a perceived risk to their own health could be not only a public health danger but also a recipe for labor unrest in a heavily unionized sector.But there is also a pervasive fear about what it would mean to bring students and teachers back together too quickly, given all that is unknown about how the virus spreads. Forcing educators to work at a perceived risk to their own health could be not only a public health danger but also a recipe for labor unrest in a heavily unionized sector.
Janet Robinson, superintendent of Stratford Public Schools in Connecticut, said she was “horrified” to hear the president urging schools to open. Students in her district were among the first children in the state to test positive. Her staff, including teachers who are cancer survivors, are worried about being rushed back into the classroom.Janet Robinson, superintendent of Stratford Public Schools in Connecticut, said she was “horrified” to hear the president urging schools to open. Students in her district were among the first children in the state to test positive. Her staff, including teachers who are cancer survivors, are worried about being rushed back into the classroom.
“I saw the president say, the kids don’t get sick,” Ms. Robinson said. “Well, they’re not in there all by themselves. And I’d hate for a little kid to come into the building, get the virus, and take it home. Then we’d start this thing all over again.”“I saw the president say, the kids don’t get sick,” Ms. Robinson said. “Well, they’re not in there all by themselves. And I’d hate for a little kid to come into the building, get the virus, and take it home. Then we’d start this thing all over again.”
In nations that have begun to reopen schools, like Denmark, classes and other activities are being held partially outdoors. In China, where the pandemic began, students have returned not only to masks, but also to glass desk dividers, teachers in protective suits and lunch tables that keep them a meter apart, and at which talking is forbidden. At one school, basketballs were being disinfected individually.In nations that have begun to reopen schools, like Denmark, classes and other activities are being held partially outdoors. In China, where the pandemic began, students have returned not only to masks, but also to glass desk dividers, teachers in protective suits and lunch tables that keep them a meter apart, and at which talking is forbidden. At one school, basketballs were being disinfected individually.
Some public health experts have suggested that younger children could be brought back before teenagers, who appear to be more susceptible to infection and are also more able to learn independently from home. Yet in parts of Germany, it has been older students who were welcomed back first, in part to take final exams from widely spaced desks.Some public health experts have suggested that younger children could be brought back before teenagers, who appear to be more susceptible to infection and are also more able to learn independently from home. Yet in parts of Germany, it has been older students who were welcomed back first, in part to take final exams from widely spaced desks.
Those other countries have made faster strides than the United States in testing and contact tracing, however, raising questions about whether it is wise for American schools to forge ahead before the health system significantly advances its ability to combat the virus.Those other countries have made faster strides than the United States in testing and contact tracing, however, raising questions about whether it is wise for American schools to forge ahead before the health system significantly advances its ability to combat the virus.
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
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.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.
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.)
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.
In Los Angeles, where the nation’s second-largest public school system serves some 700,000 students, the superintendent, Austin Beutner, on Monday said “robust” testing and tracing would have to be a prerequisite to reopening.In Los Angeles, where the nation’s second-largest public school system serves some 700,000 students, the superintendent, Austin Beutner, on Monday said “robust” testing and tracing would have to be a prerequisite to reopening.
“We closed school facilities on March 13 so our schools did not become a petri dish and cause the virus to spread in the communities we serve,” Mr. Beutner said. “That’s worked. We do not want to reverse that in a hasty return to schools.”“We closed school facilities on March 13 so our schools did not become a petri dish and cause the virus to spread in the communities we serve,” Mr. Beutner said. “That’s worked. We do not want to reverse that in a hasty return to schools.”
Lack of testing has remained an issue for states despite White House pledges to expand it. And the federal government has issued mixed guidance for districts since the outset of the pandemic, offering varying takes on the effectiveness of school closures.Lack of testing has remained an issue for states despite White House pledges to expand it. And the federal government has issued mixed guidance for districts since the outset of the pandemic, offering varying takes on the effectiveness of school closures.
In Mr. Trump’s three-phase reopening plan, the federal government recommended that schools reopen in “Phase 2,” in which states were urged to limit gatherings to 50 people when social distancing was not possible. Educators balked, noting that schools typically house hundreds of staff members and students.In Mr. Trump’s three-phase reopening plan, the federal government recommended that schools reopen in “Phase 2,” in which states were urged to limit gatherings to 50 people when social distancing was not possible. Educators balked, noting that schools typically house hundreds of staff members and students.
“In the same breath that the guidance highlights a path forward in opening schools, it establishes a scenario where every single school would be in direct conflict with another recommendation,” Daniel A. Domenech, executive director of a national association of school superintendents, said in a statement.“In the same breath that the guidance highlights a path forward in opening schools, it establishes a scenario where every single school would be in direct conflict with another recommendation,” Daniel A. Domenech, executive director of a national association of school superintendents, said in a statement.
In most of the country, superintendents are still basing their plans on guidance from local and state health officials. More than 40 states have suspended in-person classes for the rest of the academic year, and districts are still focused on remote learning, virtual graduations and planning for summer and fall.In most of the country, superintendents are still basing their plans on guidance from local and state health officials. More than 40 states have suspended in-person classes for the rest of the academic year, and districts are still focused on remote learning, virtual graduations and planning for summer and fall.
Melonie Hau, the superintendent of Newcastle Public Schools in Oklahoma, said she had worried after seeing a handful of secretaries — allowed to work a few hours a week in the central office — gather around a desk to catch up on how their families were coping.Melonie Hau, the superintendent of Newcastle Public Schools in Oklahoma, said she had worried after seeing a handful of secretaries — allowed to work a few hours a week in the central office — gather around a desk to catch up on how their families were coping.
“I’m concerned about bringing anyone back together in a building,” Ms. Hau said. “There’s just cultural things that come with being in the same room together, and to show appreciation for one another, that makes social distancing so hard in schools.”“I’m concerned about bringing anyone back together in a building,” Ms. Hau said. “There’s just cultural things that come with being in the same room together, and to show appreciation for one another, that makes social distancing so hard in schools.”
Like many superintendents, Ms. Hau has been weighing what reopening will look like, including suggestions of alternating the days that students attend.Like many superintendents, Ms. Hau has been weighing what reopening will look like, including suggestions of alternating the days that students attend.
“It’s hard to imagine a schedule where you could make it work just halfway,” she said. “In my mind, we’re all in or we’re all out.”“It’s hard to imagine a schedule where you could make it work just halfway,” she said. “In my mind, we’re all in or we’re all out.”
Shawn Hubler reported from Sacramento, Erica L. Green from Washington and Dana Goldstein from New York. Sarah Mervosh contributed reporting from Canton, Ohio; Julie Bosman from Chicago; Rick Rojas from Atlanta; Eliza Shapiro and Dan Levin from New York; Tracey Tully from Cranford, N.J.; Thomas Fuller from San Francisco; and Elaine Yu from Hong Kong.Shawn Hubler reported from Sacramento, Erica L. Green from Washington and Dana Goldstein from New York. Sarah Mervosh contributed reporting from Canton, Ohio; Julie Bosman from Chicago; Rick Rojas from Atlanta; Eliza Shapiro and Dan Levin from New York; Tracey Tully from Cranford, N.J.; Thomas Fuller from San Francisco; and Elaine Yu from Hong Kong.