It may seem odd for an organization dedicated to child safety to advocate for reopening schools amid the worst surge of the coronavirus pandemic
But experts such as Minnesota-based epidemiologist Michael Osterholm say that children under ten can be taught safely in-person if districts adopt strict safety measures.
Europe has flattened the coronavirus curve while keeping schools open. New York City – where health authorities say that elementary schools are the safest place to be – is following suit.
Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics is urging school districts to carefully reopen schools to address:
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Lost opportunities to develop social and emotional skills
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Hunger for millions of children who are missing school meals
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Worsening racial disparities caused by unequal access to technologies
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Maltreated children who aren’t reported to child protection because teachers aren’t seeing them
Minnesota should consider a similar policy shift.