The ongoing message of recent times is clear: don’t be careless. There are many types of careless individuals out there, but during the pandemic, a new breed has emerged. Some people have always been this way, while others have become careless due to circumstances or personal beliefs—like those who refuse to wear masks properly.
To put it plainly: individuals who knowingly disregard safety guidelines are being careless. In the context of COVID-19, these rule-breakers only seem to prioritize their own well-being, ignoring the consequences for others. Yet, with a few straightforward rules, we can create a safe learning environment for our children and their teachers. What is needed for schools to reopen safely? A combination of common sense and commitment—both are essential to keeping our schools open.
Recently, the CDC unveiled five strategies to support schools across the U.S.: wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, ensuring cleanliness, practicing hand hygiene, and following respiratory etiquette. Dr. Alex Ramirez, the CDC Director, emphasized in a news report that the safest way to open schools is to minimize community transmission of the virus. The spread of COVID-19 in schools is directly linked to its prevalence in the community. Other safety recommendations include maintaining student cohorts to limit exposure, utilizing color-coded charts to indicate transmission levels, and encouraging vaccinations for teachers and eventually, students.
The current administration is dedicated to safely bringing kids and teachers back to classrooms, provided that everyone adheres to the CDC guidelines. It’s not complicated; even my five-year-old can grasp these rules. Yet, for some, following these protocols seems to be a challenge.
Consider the situation at River Valley High School in Springfield, Ohio, which had to close its doors again after a party resulted in a COVID-19 outbreak. With 24 confirmed cases from either direct or secondary exposure, remote learning was reinstated because some individuals failed to take safety seriously. This is not an isolated case; as long as there are children (and parents willing to overlook safety), there will be unsafe gatherings.
Until both parents and students can commit to following the necessary guidelines to lower infection rates and keep classrooms open for extended periods, it will take our shared common sense to safeguard our children and teachers. The frequent shifts from in-person learning to remote instruction due to potential exposures are troubling. Our choices as a community significantly impact everyone’s health and safety.
When school officials revert to remote learning due to fears of exposure, emails and news reports are filled with words like “may,” “possible,” and “might,” which ultimately stall the academic progress of students engaged in in-person learning.
What can we, as parents, do to better protect our kids and their teachers as schools begin to reopen? For many, it means simply adhering to the rules. Your child doesn’t need a large gathering for their birthday. Hosting parties is unnecessary. Consider using delivery services or curbside pickup to minimize exposure. It’s basic knowledge: understand the facts and follow the guidelines.
As we work toward reopening schools and supporting our kids’ education, we must all do our part to ensure that our children are following protocols. The education and safety of everyone around depend on us exercising common sense and adhering to the rules. The CDC can only provide guidelines; the rest relies on our actions.
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Summary
The article discusses the importance of adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols to ensure schools can remain open. It emphasizes the impact of careless behavior on community health and the need for collective responsibility among parents and students. Following simple guidelines can help create a safer learning environment, allowing children to receive their education without interruption.
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