We are still experiencing a pandemic, yet the current presidential administration wants all schools to allow students to return to the classroom. Scientists have warned against that belief, fearing that students and teachers could be put in danger.
A school in Hancock, Indiana served as a case study on why it may not be wise to bring students back to the classroom.
Greenfield-Central Junior High School returned to school on July 30 for the 2020-21 calendar year.
One of the students reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 and was isolated from the rest of the students. School officials also traced everyone who he was in contact with during the day. As a result, the school was forced to close until the school is disinfected and others are tested.
According to the CDC, schools should integrate SARS-CoV-2 mitigation strategies into co-curricular and extracurricular activities (e.g., limiting or canceling participation in activities where social distancing is not feasible); maintain healthy environments (e.g., cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces); make decisions that take into account the level of community transmission; repurpose unused or underutilized school (or community) spaces to increase classroom space and facilitate social distancing, including outside spaces, where feasible; and develop a proactive plan for when a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19.
