We’re nearing the finish line. President Joe Biden has pledged to expedite the release of our COVID-19 vaccine supply, as reported by CNN. This marks a departure from the previous administration’s strategy of holding back doses for second shots. Biden plans to establish federally-operated vaccination sites in school gyms and sports arenas, aiming to administer 100 million doses within his first 100 days, according to The New York Times. This timeline allows ample opportunity for many to receive their second doses and achieve full immunity. Given Biden’s commitment to accelerate vaccination efforts, it’s imperative that we keep schools closed until all teachers and staff are vaccinated. Period.
We’re Almost There, Everyone
I understand the exhaustion. Online learning is draining. A friend lamented, “We had technical issues and my six-year-old was a handful. I think the entire class heard me say ‘ugh’ the other day.” This was just an ordinary day with a generally well-behaved child. Another friend’s only child broke down in tears recently, crying, “It’s so hard.” These children have parents who work from home and don’t face the challenges of finding childcare like so many others. My own three kids are fortunate to have each other, are accustomed to homeschooling, and have a stay-at-home parent. They’re incredibly privileged, yet they still face difficulties.
It’s truly challenging right now. If we keep schools closed until teachers and staff are vaccinated, we may be in this situation for a few more months. I get it. But we are on the brink of a solution. Waiting for teachers to be vaccinated will only take a short while—months that could save countless lives.
Sometimes, I find myself overwhelmed thinking about how long it’s been—ten months now, a long way from “Tiger King” and constant snacking. I feel lost, unable to leave my home with a 33% positive test rate. Thankfully, my teacher spouse is back to full virtual teaching. However, I worry they’ll return to in-person teaching before being vaccinated.
We Can’t Reopen Without Vaccinated Educators
Research indicates that children can be significant carriers of COVID-19. A study cited by The Harvard Gazette in The Journal of Pediatrics found that even asymptomatic children can carry a high viral load in their airways. Alarmingly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that up to 50% of children who contract COVID-19 may not show symptoms, and these children can continue to spread the virus for weeks through both respiratory and gastrointestinal routes, as noted by Physicians Weekly.
If we cannot vaccinate children, we place educators in serious jeopardy by sending them back to classrooms before they are vaccinated. Children cannot maintain proper masking, distancing, or sanitation protocols. This is especially true in kindergarten and high school settings. Moreover, teacher safety relies on adequate ventilation, which 41% of schools lack, according to the National Education Association.
We need to reopen fully, without half-hearted measures that exhaust teachers and leave parents scrambling for childcare. Complete school reopening is essential, but to do so safely, all teachers and staff must be vaccinated.
Children Will Still Be Vectors for COVID-19
Even with vaccinated teachers and staff, kids will still pose a risk as asymptomatic carriers. However, we can afford to wait two or three months for educators and high-risk adults to receive their vaccinations. Waiting for children to be vaccinated until July or August is not a feasible option.
Vaccinations will ensure the safety of teachers and staff, many of whom are part of a high-risk population. According to AARP, 25% of teachers are at risk for severe COVID-19 complications, and this statistic does not include support staff such as custodians, administrative personnel, and aides who keep our schools functioning. My spouse, along with many fellow educators, falls into this high-risk group. In fact, a 2008 ABC News report indicated that teaching is one of the most germ-ridden professions—worse than healthcare.
If teachers contract the virus, they could bring it home, further burdening our already strained healthcare systems. Parents are eager for schools to reopen, likely prioritizing childcare over the risks of potential transmission. While children might become vectors for the virus, at least parents won’t be stuck at home, watching their children struggle with isolation.
Once educators and staff are vaccinated, parents can return to work with confidence that their children’s schools won’t close due to COVID-19 outbreaks or staff shortages.
We Must Hold Off Until Vaccinations Are Complete
We have already made ten months of sacrifices. We cannot let those sacrifices be in vain by reopening too soon, especially amid a COVID-19 surge with unvaccinated educators. Schools can continue to provide food assistance through alternative means—many districts already manage to do so in the summer months. If South Carolina can achieve this, so can others.
Yes, some students face dire situations. Yes, there are children living in shelters. Solutions should be created for those who desperately need a safe space, staffed by low-risk volunteers. I know teachers who would step up to help.
Regardless of the circumstances, with Biden’s vaccination plans on the horizon, getting educators vaccinated is essential before we consider reopening. We’ve held on this long; as Americans, we can endure a little longer. Let’s support one another. Drop off toys for neighbors, tip service providers generously, and reach out to those who may be feeling isolated.
If we can ensure that educators and school staff are vaccinated, we will be on the path toward a return to normalcy.
For more insights on this topic, check out this other blog post.
Summary:
The article emphasizes the importance of keeping schools closed until all teachers and staff are vaccinated against COVID-19. It discusses the challenges of remote learning, the risks children pose as asymptomatic carriers, and the necessity of ensuring educator safety before reopening schools. The urgency for vaccinations is underscored, along with community support for those in need during this period.