Hogan on now and not addressing schools?

[Anonymous]

I heard the reason they haven't announced a further delay is they're waiting on all counties to have a long-term plan in place. The issue is in some more rural parts of Maryland, it's taking longer to set up distance learning infrastructure (internet access in particular).

I'm not surprised -- when I drive through the panhandle of MD, my cellphone loses coverage entirely on some mountainous stretches.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's no way they're going back this month. I like his response to the crisis so far but I think he should talk about the school decision soon — no reason to delay the inevitable. Although I'm not sure my kids are going back until there's a vaccine!

That will probably be 2022

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There's no way they're going back this month. I like his response to the crisis so far but I think he should talk about the school decision soon — no reason to delay the inevitable. Although I'm not sure my kids are going back until there's a vaccine!

That will probably be 2022

Hoping for 2021
https://www.voanews.com/science-health/coronavirus-outbreak/covid-vaccine-could-be-ready-emergency-use-early-2021

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Before they actually implement broad-based antibody testing, virus testing, and contact tracing, they can't say when schools can open because they won't have a sense of how quickly the virus is still spreading and how many people actually have had it.

They need that data to make a determination about schools.

I think it's safe to say that all of that won't be reliably in place for at least another month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Before they actually implement broad-based antibody testing, virus testing, and contact tracing, they can't say when schools can open because they won't have a sense of how quickly the virus is still spreading and how many people actually have had it.

They need that data to make a determination about schools.

I think it's safe to say that all of that won't be reliably in place for at least another month.

Actually, according to Hogan, Maryland apparently has hundreds of people already doing contract tracing and is in good shape scaling up the test for active virus — needs to hire more contract tracers, but a system already in place . Really the only big ask is antibody testing. Hard to tell fromsummary status of that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Before they actually implement broad-based antibody testing, virus testing, and contact tracing, they can't say when schools can open because they won't have a sense of how quickly the virus is still spreading and how many people actually have had it.

They need that data to make a determination about schools.

I think it's safe to say that all of that won't be reliably in place for at least another month.

Actually, according to Hogan, Maryland apparently has hundreds of people already doing contract tracing and is in good shape scaling up the test for active virus — needs to hire more contract tracers, but a system already in place . Really the only big ask is antibody testing. Hard to tell fromsummary status of that.

NP. I teach in MD, but I live in DC where I haven't heard much in terms of a plan for testing us. I wonder what returning to work would look like for us. For example, would I need to get myself and my household members tested first before I'd be able to return to work? I know we're not going back any time soon, but I wonder if anyone is talking about how to handle the employees (government or private sector) who work across state lines when some areas aren't as proactive as others.

[Anonymous]

I would also appreciate them making the announcement of additional closures at least 1 week before the kids are scheduled to go back. I am certain that they cannot go back on April 27, but I do get nervous when they wait until the Wednesday before to announce it. I don't think they're going back in May. I think they'll be out for the rest of the year but my 5th grader really hopes they'll get to go back for a week or two in June. Wants to be in the building again and actually see teachers/friends before "graduating" to middle school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Look at his announcement history on school closings. He has typically announced school closures about two days in advance. For the initial closing, it was announced late afternoon on Thursday that schools would be closed beginning the following Monday. The timeline was similar for the extension. I doubt he will address school closure extensions before next Wednesday (4/22).

In fact he said in the press conference (listening skills, people) that a detailed plan would be rolled out next week for getting the state back up and running - and it depends on adequate testing, tracing, ICU beds, etc. - so stay tuned.

[Anonymous]

At this point even going back in August is iffy. We need a vaccine or we are just setting up at risk school staff for infection as well as student families. Too much liability in the schools unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

The governor of California is saying no groups more than 300 until 2021. I assume that would include schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At this point even going back in August is iffy. We need a vaccine or we are just setting up at risk school staff for infection as well as student families. Too much liability in the schools unfortunately.

There’s no chance MD isn’t back in the fall and there’s a chance for later this school year. Hogan is way ahead of most governors in terms of plans for herd immunity etc. stay tuned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The governor of California is saying no groups more than 300 until 2021. I assume that would include schools.

Uh, no it doesn’t. Does your school have 300 kids in a class? And wtf is the pout of that anyway? 250 people is ok?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would also appreciate them making the announcement of additional closures at least 1 week before the kids are scheduled to go back. I am certain that they cannot go back on April 27, but I do get nervous when they wait until the Wednesday before to announce it. I don't think they're going back in May. I think they'll be out for the rest of the year but my 5th grader really hopes they'll get to go back for a week or two in June. Wants to be in the building again and actually see teachers/friends before "graduating" to middle school.

Its more important that those teachers, administrators and kids with immune deficiencies, don't die.

[Anonymous]

I'm fine with Hogan's approach. Gives me hope that there can be an in person end to the school year. This burning the candle on all ends can not continue much longer or I will lose my job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm fine with Hogan's approach. Gives me hope that there can be an in person end to the school year. This burning the candle on all ends can not continue much longer or I will lose my job.

Agree. He’s very sensible and considering all options. Realistic. I like it.