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Health Watch USA - School
Opening Resources
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Lectures Regarding Opening
Schools & Childrens' COVID-19 Risks.
2021, Sept. 10: Viewpoint:
We’re Reopening Schools Too Quickly
The further away from an infected person you are, the
less likely you are to contract the disease. But you
are still not safe at 6 feet. The virus is airborne and can spread
much further to the back of the classroom. There are those who
advocate for herd immunity, but in reality, this is a fool’s dream.
Teleschooling and hybrid programs may be a vital long-term strategy.
They were not fully successful last year, but instead of discarding
this strategy we should be developing improvements. It is apparent
that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is an extremely difficult ever-changing
problem. We must slow down the spread of this virus by adopting a
layered approach so our pharmaceutical industry has time to catch up
with development of therapeutics and next generation vaccines.
References Infection Control Today.
https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/viewpoint-we-re-reopening-schools-too-quickly
2021, Aug. 10: COVID-19 is
ravaging our unprotected children. Opening schools now is dangerous
Currently, we are confronting a variant that is more
than twice as infectious as last year’s wild-type virus; it is more
deadly and has an increased propensity to infect children.
Kentucky’s community spread is extremely high with a test positivity
rate of over 10%. To open schools at this time and expect our
children to be safe is dangerous cult thinking. Unfortunately, we
have done nothing to prepare for continued waves of COVID-19. We
have squandered coronavirus funds and just hoped the virus will go
away. However, at this point, stopping SARS-CoV-2 will also require
a marked change in the way we live, along with a massive
infrastructure investment and a sustained commitment to the safety
and welfare of others.
References
Courier Journal. Aug. 10, 2021.
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/opinion/2021/08/10/how-to-makes-schools-safer-for-children-amid-covid-19/5543678001/
2020, Nov. 18: COVID-19: Risks and Solutions For Safe School
Systems
 Rafael Moure-Eraso, PhD, Massachusetts Teachers
Association, from Environmental and Safety Committee discusses the
roadblocks teachers have encountered in their quest for safe
schools along with the importance of proper planning, PPE, social
distancing, and air quality. Health Watch USAsm
meeting.
https://youtu.be/tg5GxodZc3c
The Safe Return To Schools and Campuses -- Massachusetts
Teachers Association
Download Document
2020, Dec. 16: COVID-19 Spread: A Role For Air
Disinfection
 Edward Nardell, MD is a professor
at Harvard Medical School and discusses the safety and
efficacy of upper room Germicidal UV (GUV) fixtures and
compares them to natural, mechanical ventilation and
portable room air cleaners. A historical review is given
along with the positive impact GUV fixtures have had
dating back to cleaning air in schools during the 1942
measles epidemic. These fixtures can achieve the
CDC recommended 6 to
12 complete air exchanges for
infectious disease pandemics. Health Watch USAsm
meeting. Video: https://youtu.be/dAJCI0pcVKY
2020, Nov. 18:
COVID-19: COVID-19: COVID Facility Updates for
Public K-12 Schools
 Ken
Wertz, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Facilities
Administrators Association, discusses environmental
considerations to make facilities safer during the
COVID-19 pandemic. The processes of cleaning,
disinfecting and sanitizing were discussed. The
difference between a disinfectant and sanitizer was
illustrated with the shift to students eating in
classrooms. Before the change, a disinfectant was used
to clean classrooms, but after the initiation of this
strategy, a safer product, a sanitizer, needed to be
used. In addition, pandemic strategies involving heating
and air conditioning systems were explained along with
the difference between air quality and air flow reports.
The latter being of utmost importance in a pandemic.
Strategies of air filtration and sanitation using UV
Light and bipolar ionization of the air were also
discussed. Health Watch USAsm
meeting.
https://youtu.be/GvE9LqxzEKM
2020, Aug. 5: COVID-19:
Presentation Regarding Children and When To Open Schools.
 Dr. Kevin Kavanagh from Health Watch USAsm
discusses the various presentations of COVID-19 in
children, and the risk of childhood transmission to and
infections of adults. Current guidance on opening of
schools along with international experience on school
openings is also discussed. Aug. 5, 2020.
View Video:
https://youtu.be/bH2znWXMAdU
Articles Regarding Opening
Schools & Childrens' COVID-19 Risks.
Mar. 4,
2021. Rush to Reopen Buys COVID-19 More Time
There needs to be a shift from droplet precaution
standards to airborne spread standards and we need to invest in the
safety of our frontline workers. Quite simply, this virus is
aerosolized, meaning it is airborne. I really thought this had been
decided last July when a letter was sent to the World Health
Organization (WHO) by 329 top scientists from 33 countries. But
although agencies responded by recognizing airborne spread in some
of their statements and webpages, their recommendations on
controlling spread and reopening of businesses and schools largely
did not. Most importantly, the CDC needs to articulate firm and
harmonized advisements which are consistent across all materials,
recommendations and webpages. Until this happens, there will not be
a demand for N95 masks and air sanitization units. Manufacturing
will not gear up production and pathogens will continue to spread.
We need to enact these reforms not only for COVID-19 and the next
pandemic, but for other endemic dangerous pathogens. Our children
deserve better than the status quo. Infection Control Today.
References https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/rush-to-reopen-buys-covid-19-more-time
2020, Feb. 21. Schools can be reopened safely amid COVID, but only
if we take overdue steps
Political debate is one thing, but spinning science
and placing our children at risk is unacceptable. Statements that
research shows “schools are safer than the community“ or that we
should take the “default position of opening schools” are being
grossly misinterpreted. “Safer” is not “Safe.” It depends upon the
rate of community transmission, and “default” means to do something
if there is not a reason to otherwise not do it. .. Instead, we need
to focus on transformation and making the needed investments in our
society to effectively eliminate this virus and then to snuff out
outbreaks. And this includes schools. Smaller class sizes and
healthier buildings are something we should have done long ago,
regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic. School-age children have always
been known to have an increased risk of transmitting infections from
school and all these transmissions are potentially preventable.
Courier Journal.
References
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/opinion/2021/02/19/louisville-school-reopenings-covid-19-orders-in-person-learning/6799161002/
2020, Feb. 15. Viewpoint: CDC’s School Reopening Plan Gets an ‘F’
The argument that preventative strategies need to be
tailored to the needs and resources of local communities, along with
a one-size-does-not-fit-all approach, may placate political
pressures, but the virus does not care. You need to do what you need
to do to control the disease. It needs to be clearly stated what
needs to be done and if a community cannot comply and wants to open
schools, then the parents need to be informed of the increased risks
to students. Recommendations should not be changed to reassure
families of a degree of safety which does not exist.....Frequent,
(three times a week) screening of our athletes has been key to the
opening of professional sports. Our students deserve the same safety
precautions as professional athletes. Infection Control Today.
References
https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/viewpoint-cdc-s-school-reopening-plan-gets-an-f-
2020, Oct. 29. Operating
schools during COVID-19: CDC's Considerations
"Obtain consultation from experienced Heating, Ventilation and Air
Conditioning (HVAC) professionals when considering changes to HVAC
systems and equipment. Some of the recommendations below are based
on the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and
Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Guidance for Building Operations
During the COVID-19 Pandemicexternal icon. Review additional ASHRAE
guidelines for schools and universities"
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools.html
2020, Oct. School Daze: COVID-19 Spreads Fear,
Confusion:
"Opening schools should depend upon low rates of viral spread
in the community, widespread testing, rigorous following of public
health guidelines, and upgrading the physical infrastructure of our
buildings. Our schools are anything but healthy buildings.
Concerns have existed for decades regarding both the air quality and
the crowded conditions our children are exposed to. COVID-19 should
be viewed as an opportunity for transformation, allowing us to build
a better school system with smaller class sizes for better education
and implement strategies to prevent the spread of all infectious
diseases" Infection Control Today Oct 2020. (Page 28)
References
Download Article
2020, Aug. 10:
Infection Preventionists Might be Needed in Schools
Similar to our healthcare system as a whole, COVID-19 is
shedding a light on deficiencies and the dearth of personal
safeguards in our schools. Let us not forget, schools are a nidus
for spreading the flu and other diseases. Opening schools should
depend upon low rates of viral spread in the community, widespread
testing, rigorous following of public health guidelines and
upgrading the physical infrastructure of our buildings. COVID-19
should be viewed as an opportunity for transformation, allowing us
to build a better school system with smaller class sizes for better
education and implement strategies to prevent the spread of all
infectious diseases. Infection Control Today. Aug. 10,
2020.
Radio Shows Regarding Opening
Schools & Childrens' COVID-19 Risks.
2020, Nov. 21: COVID-19:
Opening Schools
Dr. Kevin Kavanagh from Health Watch USAsm
discusses the closing of schools and what needs to be done for
reopening. Including better ventilation and sanitation of air, PPE,
pool testing of students and teachers. In addition, we need to
invoke the defense production act to produce needed PPE and testing
supplies. We need better and consistent messaging from our leaders
along with everyone following public health advice. Travel and the
upcoming holidays are especially problematic. Jeff Santos Show. Nov.
21, 2020. (22:00)
https://youtu.be/9vL0Q1nOkLQ
2020, July 30: COVID-19: Opening Schools.
Governor Michael Dukakis, Dr. Kevin Kavanagh, Melissa
Tomlinson, David Palelogous discuss the complexities of opening
schools. The need to lower community infection rates and
modification of a school's infrastructure are of utmost importance.
Concerns exist over the safety of teachers along with that of
parents as new research shows risks of infections from children.
Jeff Santos Show. (Two Segments a Total of 30
mins.)
https://soundcloud.com/ron-crider/73020-hr-3-gov-dukakis-dr-kavanaugh-melissa-tomlinson-david-palelogous
https://soundcloud.com/ron-crider/73020-hr-3-gov-dukakis-dr-kavanaugh-melissa-tomlinson-david-palelogous-1
2020, July 16: COVID-19: Spiking Cases and School
Openings
Dr. Kevin Kavanagh from Health Watch USAsm
discusses the spiking cases in the Southern United States and
the current discussion on whether or not to reopen classroom
teaching. Jeff Santos Show. (21:54)
https://youtu.be/eo8j1Rf2pCI
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