Should we prepare for virtual schooling starting in January?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It stops the spread from teachers like the ones that were infected this week from their students. They are testing positive this weekend. School lunches are super spreader events and we are in a surge. If you think teachers and children don't breathe during lunch, think again.

I'd like to introduce my the source of my reliable information on omicron specifically and SARS-CoV-2 generally: Dr. Random Anonymous Poster On An Internet Message Board.^^^

No, most of us agree that lunch is a super-spreading event. Many posters have pointed that out ever since the beginning of the school year. We've managed to keep schools open despite this only because cases were low and the previous variants weren't stratospherically contagious. Omicron changes the calculus here, so at some point, schools will have to close (either individual schools or grades, or the whole system - I think it will be the whole system).

None of us like it, PP, but it's not a reason to go all snarky and trolly. We need to face facts, however unpalatable.

No, most people do not think school or school lunches are superspreaders. Otherwise we’d be seeing more large clusters of cases tied to lunches. Instead, we see them tied to extracurricular activities, sports, and parties.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It is serious as it is highly contagious. How do you know those infected are not seriously sick? What will it take to get you to take Covid seriously? If you want schools to stay open, you need to be part of the solution.

I am part of the solution. Specifically:

1. I am vaccinated + boostered. So is every other person in my family who is eligible for vaccination + booster.
2. I have worn masks in indoor public places since the spring of 2020. So has every other person in my family.
3. I am contacting my elected officials to tell them that schools need to stay open, and I am asking everyone I know to do the same.

You forgot 4.

4. Get an education degree so I can teach in January when teachers are out sick with COVID.

There's no school without teachers.

It is unfortunate that McKnight unilaterally removed the vaccine requirement in MCPS instead of adding a booster requirement. Responsible teachers are not going to get sick in large numbers.

Not at all. I know of so many people who got their booster and now have Covid. On triple-vaccinated person is currently in the hospital.

It’s possible that boosters could make things more complicated, actually. Some are arguing that people should wait for an Omicron specific booster.

From the article:
“The question is, if you keep priming and boosting with a strain, which is basically to make an immune response against the ancestral strain, will that limit your ability then to make an immune response to a virus, which is very much different than the ancestral?” said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/omicron-variant-best-strategy-omicron-boost-original-vaccine-rcna7451

Very, very few experts think that is a credible risk. The overwhelming majority of experts say to get booster as soon as possible. Not only do they reduce severity in medically frail individuals, they significantly reduce the risk of infection in healthier individuals. Teachers could avoid getting sick and could go on working through any potential Omicron surge.

Not when the County has ridiculous quarantine rules! Our kids have to quarantine for close contacts even if they are vaccinated. Our athletes are 100% vaccinated and are still quarantining.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It is serious as it is highly contagious. How do you know those infected are not seriously sick? What will it take to get you to take Covid seriously? If you want schools to stay open, you need to be part of the solution.

I am part of the solution. Specifically:

1. I am vaccinated + boostered. So is every other person in my family who is eligible for vaccination + booster.
2. I have worn masks in indoor public places since the spring of 2020. So has every other person in my family.
3. I am contacting my elected officials to tell them that schools need to stay open, and I am asking everyone I know to do the same.

You forgot 4.

4. Get an education degree so I can teach in January when teachers are out sick with COVID.

There's no school without teachers.

It is unfortunate that McKnight unilaterally removed the vaccine requirement in MCPS instead of adding a booster requirement. Responsible teachers are not going to get sick in large numbers.

Not at all. I know of so many people who got their booster and now have Covid. On triple-vaccinated person is currently in the hospital.

It’s possible that boosters could make things more complicated, actually. Some are arguing that people should wait for an Omicron specific booster.

From the article:
“The question is, if you keep priming and boosting with a strain, which is basically to make an immune response against the ancestral strain, will that limit your ability then to make an immune response to a virus, which is very much different than the ancestral?” said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/omicron-variant-best-strategy-omicron-boost-original-vaccine-rcna7451

Very, very few experts think that is a credible risk. The overwhelming majority of experts say to get booster as soon as possible. Not only do they reduce severity in medically frail individuals, they significantly reduce the risk of infection in healthier individuals. Teachers could avoid getting sick and could go on working through any potential Omicron surge.

Not when the County has ridiculous quarantine rules! Our kids have to quarantine for close contacts even if they are vaccinated. Our athletes are 100% vaccinated and are still quarantining.

Vaccines help with symptoms. If your child is exposed, they can be positive. It’s not ridiculous to spot the spread. They are trying to prevent going virtual. Deal with it or plan to go virtual again. At some point if there are large outbreaks the state will have to step in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It stops the spread from teachers like the ones that were infected this week from their students. They are testing positive this weekend. School lunches are super spreader events and we are in a surge. If you think teachers and children don't breathe during lunch, think again.

I'd like to introduce my the source of my reliable information on omicron specifically and SARS-CoV-2 generally: Dr. Random Anonymous Poster On An Internet Message Board.^^^

No, most of us agree that lunch is a super-spreading event. Many posters have pointed that out ever since the beginning of the school year. We've managed to keep schools open despite this only because cases were low and the previous variants weren't stratospherically contagious. Omicron changes the calculus here, so at some point, schools will have to close (either individual schools or grades, or the whole system - I think it will be the whole system).

None of us like it, PP, but it's not a reason to go all snarky and trolly. We need to face facts, however unpalatable.

No, most people do not think school or school lunches are superspreaders. Otherwise we’d be seeing more large clusters of cases tied to lunches. Instead, we see them tied to extracurricular activities, sports, and parties.

They are all a problem as the kids get Covid and bring it into school. Lunch is just a small part of it. There is no distancing or other precautions outside of masks. This was going to happen.

[Anonymous]

1. Omicron is so contagious that most vaccinated people (2 shots) are going to get it, and soon.

2. Most of those people will not be hospitalized or get seriously ill.

3. Closing schools will not change this reality because this variant is spreading so rapidly. School is already about to close for nearly two weeks. People will travel. By the time they return the community spread will be wide enough that the damage is done without schools even factoring in.

4. It's possible that staff absences WILL cause problems but schools should stay open as long as possible unless staff shortages render that impossible. Closing schools to limit spread with this variant while keeping the rest of the county functioning as normal...how does that make sense? That punishes kids.

5. People on here chronically forget all the students that struggle to access remote learning. It is as if they don't exist and don't matter. It is not only your child, in your privileged household who is entitled to a public school education. The most vulnerable kids suffer the most with virtual learning. All you virtual learning fanatics had a chance to choose a damn VIRTUAL ACADEMY for your kids. The rest of our students need in person school.

6. My vaccinated MCPS high schooler is currently home with COVID.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It is serious as it is highly contagious. How do you know those infected are not seriously sick? What will it take to get you to take Covid seriously? If you want schools to stay open, you need to be part of the solution.

I am part of the solution. Specifically:

1. I am vaccinated + boostered. So is every other person in my family who is eligible for vaccination + booster.
2. I have worn masks in indoor public places since the spring of 2020. So has every other person in my family.
3. I am contacting my elected officials to tell them that schools need to stay open, and I am asking everyone I know to do the same.

You forgot 4.

4. Get an education degree so I can teach in January when teachers are out sick with COVID.

There's no school without teachers.

It is unfortunate that McKnight unilaterally removed the vaccine requirement in MCPS instead of adding a booster requirement. Responsible teachers are not going to get sick in large numbers.

Not at all. I know of so many people who got their booster and now have Covid. On triple-vaccinated person is currently in the hospital.

It’s possible that boosters could make things more complicated, actually. Some are arguing that people should wait for an Omicron specific booster.

From the article:
“The question is, if you keep priming and boosting with a strain, which is basically to make an immune response against the ancestral strain, will that limit your ability then to make an immune response to a virus, which is very much different than the ancestral?” said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/omicron-variant-best-strategy-omicron-boost-original-vaccine-rcna7451

Very, very few experts think that is a credible risk. The overwhelming majority of experts say to get booster as soon as possible. Not only do they reduce severity in medically frail individuals, they significantly reduce the risk of infection in healthier individuals. Teachers could avoid getting sick and could go on working through any potential Omicron surge.

Teachers are getting sick. Are you not paying attention.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It is serious as it is highly contagious. How do you know those infected are not seriously sick? What will it take to get you to take Covid seriously? If you want schools to stay open, you need to be part of the solution.

I am part of the solution. Specifically:

1. I am vaccinated + boostered. So is every other person in my family who is eligible for vaccination + booster.
2. I have worn masks in indoor public places since the spring of 2020. So has every other person in my family.
3. I am contacting my elected officials to tell them that schools need to stay open, and I am asking everyone I know to do the same.

You forgot 4.

4. Get an education degree so I can teach in January when teachers are out sick with COVID.

There's no school without teachers.

It is unfortunate that McKnight unilaterally removed the vaccine requirement in MCPS instead of adding a booster requirement. Responsible teachers are not going to get sick in large numbers.

Not at all. I know of so many people who got their booster and now have Covid. On triple-vaccinated person is currently in the hospital.

It’s possible that boosters could make things more complicated, actually. Some are arguing that people should wait for an Omicron specific booster.

From the article:
“The question is, if you keep priming and boosting with a strain, which is basically to make an immune response against the ancestral strain, will that limit your ability then to make an immune response to a virus, which is very much different than the ancestral?” said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/omicron-variant-best-strategy-omicron-boost-original-vaccine-rcna7451

Very, very few experts think that is a credible risk. The overwhelming majority of experts say to get booster as soon as possible. Not only do they reduce severity in medically frail individuals, they significantly reduce the risk of infection in healthier individuals. Teachers could avoid getting sick and could go on working through any potential Omicron surge.

Not when the County has ridiculous quarantine rules! Our kids have to quarantine for close contacts even if they are vaccinated. Our athletes are 100% vaccinated and are still quarantining.

That’s not accurate. Fully vaccinated close contacts do not quarantine unless they have symptoms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

They are all a problem as the kids get Covid and bring it into school. Lunch is just a small part of it. There is no distancing or other precautions outside of masks. This was going to happen.

It's December 2021. We've known since at least May 2021 (actually earlier) that the virus is AIRBORNE. Why are you still talking about distancing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:1. Omicron is so contagious that most vaccinated people (2 shots) are going to get it, and soon.

2. Most of those people will not be hospitalized or get seriously ill.

3. Closing schools will not change this reality because this variant is spreading so rapidly. School is already about to close for nearly two weeks. People will travel. By the time they return the community spread will be wide enough that the damage is done without schools even factoring in.

4. It's possible that staff absences WILL cause problems but schools should stay open as long as possible unless staff shortages render that impossible. Closing schools to limit spread with this variant while keeping the rest of the county functioning as normal...how does that make sense? That punishes kids.

5. People on here chronically forget all the students that struggle to access remote learning. It is as if they don't exist and don't matter. It is not only your child, in your privileged household who is entitled to a public school education. The most vulnerable kids suffer the most with virtual learning. All you virtual learning fanatics had a chance to choose a damn VIRTUAL ACADEMY for your kids. The rest of our students need in person school.

6. My vaccinated MCPS high schooler is currently home with COVID.

Given that schools are already struggling with staffing and staff is being pushed to the breaking point, it seems unlikely to me they will be able to continue as normal in January. I would love schools to be open but if omicron keeps spreading at this rate, there will be disruption. Unless you want kids sitting in the auditorium watching movies

[Anonymous]

Making at least the first two weeks of January virtual would make sense. I know families at our school who plan to travel internationally and they are not changing their plans. Covid will get worse in Jan. February should be better hopefully

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Making at least the first two weeks of January virtual would make sense. I know families at our school who plan to travel internationally and they are not changing their plans. Covid will get worse in Jan. February should be better hopefully

Why? When it's spreading in the community? And nothing else is closing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It is serious as it is highly contagious. How do you know those infected are not seriously sick? What will it take to get you to take Covid seriously? If you want schools to stay open, you need to be part of the solution.

I am part of the solution. Specifically:

1. I am vaccinated + boostered. So is every other person in my family who is eligible for vaccination + booster.
2. I have worn masks in indoor public places since the spring of 2020. So has every other person in my family.
3. I am contacting my elected officials to tell them that schools need to stay open, and I am asking everyone I know to do the same.

You forgot 4.

4. Get an education degree so I can teach in January when teachers are out sick with COVID.

There's no school without teachers.

It is unfortunate that McKnight unilaterally removed the vaccine requirement in MCPS instead of adding a booster requirement. Responsible teachers are not going to get sick in large numbers.

Not at all. I know of so many people who got their booster and now have Covid. On triple-vaccinated person is currently in the hospital.

It’s possible that boosters could make things more complicated, actually. Some are arguing that people should wait for an Omicron specific booster.

From the article:
“The question is, if you keep priming and boosting with a strain, which is basically to make an immune response against the ancestral strain, will that limit your ability then to make an immune response to a virus, which is very much different than the ancestral?” said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/omicron-variant-best-strategy-omicron-boost-original-vaccine-rcna7451

Very, very few experts think that is a credible risk. The overwhelming majority of experts say to get booster as soon as possible. Not only do they reduce severity in medically frail individuals, they significantly reduce the risk of infection in healthier individuals. Teachers could avoid getting sick and could go on working through any potential Omicron surge.

Not when the County has ridiculous quarantine rules! Our kids have to quarantine for close contacts even if they are vaccinated. Our athletes are 100% vaccinated and are still quarantining.

That’s not accurate. Fully vaccinated close contacts do not quarantine unless they have symptoms.

Not true at my Kursk’ elementary school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It is serious as it is highly contagious. How do you know those infected are not seriously sick? What will it take to get you to take Covid seriously? If you want schools to stay open, you need to be part of the solution.

I am part of the solution. Specifically:

1. I am vaccinated + boostered. So is every other person in my family who is eligible for vaccination + booster.
2. I have worn masks in indoor public places since the spring of 2020. So has every other person in my family.
3. I am contacting my elected officials to tell them that schools need to stay open, and I am asking everyone I know to do the same.

You forgot 4.

4. Get an education degree so I can teach in January when teachers are out sick with COVID.

There's no school without teachers.

It is unfortunate that McKnight unilaterally removed the vaccine requirement in MCPS instead of adding a booster requirement. Responsible teachers are not going to get sick in large numbers.

Not at all. I know of so many people who got their booster and now have Covid. On triple-vaccinated person is currently in the hospital.

It’s possible that boosters could make things more complicated, actually. Some are arguing that people should wait for an Omicron specific booster.

From the article:
“The question is, if you keep priming and boosting with a strain, which is basically to make an immune response against the ancestral strain, will that limit your ability then to make an immune response to a virus, which is very much different than the ancestral?” said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/omicron-variant-best-strategy-omicron-boost-original-vaccine-rcna7451

Very, very few experts think that is a credible risk. The overwhelming majority of experts say to get booster as soon as possible. Not only do they reduce severity in medically frail individuals, they significantly reduce the risk of infection in healthier individuals. Teachers could avoid getting sick and could go on working through any potential Omicron surge.

Not when the County has ridiculous quarantine rules! Our kids have to quarantine for close contacts even if they are vaccinated. Our athletes are 100% vaccinated and are still quarantining.

That’s not accurate. Fully vaccinated close contacts do not quarantine unless they have symptoms.

Not true at my Kursk’ elementary school.

*kids’

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Making at least the first two weeks of January virtual would make sense. I know families at our school who plan to travel internationally and they are not changing their plans. Covid will get worse in Jan. February should be better hopefully

Why? When it's spreading in the community? And nothing else is closing?

Why do we need things to close to be careful? Our government is not going to fix this so people need to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Making at least the first two weeks of January virtual would make sense. I know families at our school who plan to travel internationally and they are not changing their plans. Covid will get worse in Jan. February should be better hopefully

Why? When it's spreading in the community? And nothing else is closing?

Why do we need things to close to be careful? Our government is not going to fix this so people need to.

But people aren’t going to. That’s reality. So schools should not close either.