As we continue to grapple with the ongoing pandemic, the idea of reopening schools seems increasingly reckless. Let’s take a moment to reflect on this: we are still entrenched in a global health crisis that has resulted in more American deaths than World War II. The IHME Model estimates that we could reach a staggering 567,000 cumulative deaths by May 2021. In scenarios that include easing mandates, such as reopening schools, the number could surge to 621,000, nearing the death toll of the Civil War (including losses from disease and famine, not just combat).
Yet, discussions about sending children back to classrooms are taking place, even as new variants of the virus emerge and many teachers remain unvaccinated. Even if they were vaccinated, the efficacy of vaccines against these new, more contagious strains is uncertain. There are generational issues at play, particularly within BIPOC communities, where Black and Latinx individuals are 2.8 times more likely to succumb to the virus compared to their white counterparts. I know teachers who have seen students lose multiple family members to this virus, which I would certainly categorize as a significant generational trauma.
Reopening schools while much of the country is still a COVID-19 hotspot—like South Carolina, where many public schools are operational in areas deeply affected by the virus—poses a grave risk.
Yes, The CDC Recommended Reopening, BUT…
Even Dr. Anthony Williams, a leading expert on infectious diseases, cautions that reopening all schools may not be feasible by April due to the emergence of new variants. The CDC’s recommendation to reopen schools was based on data indicating that large outbreaks have been less common than in nursing homes; however, outbreaks have occurred in overcrowded classrooms lacking adequate social distancing, mask compliance, and proper ventilation.
For safe reopening, every classroom must ensure proper distancing, mask usage, and ventilation—which is far from the reality in many American schools. A study by the National Education Association highlights that over 41% of school districts need to replace or upgrade their HVAC systems to mitigate COVID-19 spread. Does it seem like that’s happening? I don’t think so.
Kids Spread COVID-19 — And Variants Make That Scary
Let’s settle this once and for all: children can spread COVID-19, and they do so quite effectively. Research from Massachusetts General Hospital indicates that even asymptomatic children can emit as many viral particles as adults in ICU settings. Furthermore, viral shedding can persist for weeks, particularly in fecal matter, and we know children aren’t always the cleanest.
While children may often be asymptomatic and experience milder cases, the argument that they don’t spread the virus is fundamentally flawed. Enter the variants: the UK variant, which has mutations making it more contagious and potentially more lethal, was identified in the U.S. in 2020. The South African variant surfaced in January, alongside a dangerous Brazilian variant that could evade antibody recognition.
Kids + Variants + Reopening Schools = A Recipe for Disaster
So, the plan is to reopen schools while the virus continues to spread and mutate? According to the CDC, current vaccines may still provide some protection against these variants, but many teachers are still unvaccinated. This leaves unprotected educators in poorly ventilated classrooms with more virulent strains of COVID-19. Students could contract the virus and bring it home to elderly relatives, many of whom belong to BIPOC communities and face higher mortality rates.
While students have certainly suffered from isolation, sending them back to school under these risky conditions is not the solution. Concerns about children falling behind in their education are valid, but the entire population is facing similar challenges. Rather than rushing to reopen schools, we should focus on providing support to children after the pandemic subsides.
To prioritize the health of students, staff, and the broader community, we must keep schools closed until teachers and staff are fully vaccinated. This may be a difficult pill to swallow, and we will undoubtedly mourn the lost time, but we would mourn our dead even more.
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Summary:
Reopening schools during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, especially with the emergence of more contagious variants, poses significant health risks. Despite recommendations from health authorities, many schools lack the necessary safety measures, including adequate ventilation and social distancing. The potential for children to spread the virus, particularly to vulnerable family members, raises serious concerns. Prioritizing the health and safety of students and staff should take precedence over the rush to reopen schools.
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