Ms. Napolitano told us recently that one issue that loomed large for her was the response of schools. Some districts closed their schools; New York City shuttered 23 more last week. This had a ripple effect on local areas and raises serious questions. How would future school closures affect parents who might lose their jobs if they stay home with their children? What would be the impact on day care? How should closures be decided on? Ms. Napolitano said that the decision should be based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
We knew there were gaps, particularly in the messaging about what a pandemic is really like, and the individual and community hardship entailed when schools need to unexpectedly close. The Post editorial board seems to imply that more central US authority would help. The opposite is true. This is a state and local issue that needs resolution. The CDC can advise on when closure should take place, but that is not an issue for the Feds to decide.
OTOH, state and local authorities have to understand that they might need to close schools, and they need to better drill and practice the process, instead of pretending someone else will make the decision. This swine flu outbreak brings home the point (see NYC rationale for closing) that there's really are local decisions, and that those decisions will be made - and if the local authorities don't make them (and don't explain them), parents and teachers will.
Over concern and underestimation can be mitigated, even if impossible to completely avoid, by planning in advance, and practicing the plans. That's a lesson that every school district should learn.... and practice and drill.
In the meantime, though late to the table and only through pressure from teachers and parents, the NYC schools have posted their rationale, and also posted a list of what's considered an "underlying medical condition".
There is no single number upon which school closures decisions are made. The Health Department carefully evaluates the circumstances occurring at each school and considers many factors including:
- The number of visits to the nurse by children with documented fever flu-like illness
- The trend of flu-like illness over several days and the potential benefit of reduced transmission over weekend days, when school is not in session;
- The percentage of children absent with flu-like illness;
- Reports of teacher illness while they are in the school; and
- Special circumstances of the school, such as children in District 75 schools - schools for students with disabilities;
- Whether a school is an elementary, intermediate or high school.
and
The Health Department advises any New Yorkers with the underlying health conditions listed below to seek medical consultation if they have come in contact with someone with flu, have flu-like symptoms or have any trouble breathing - especially children with asthma. This would also include children and staff with these conditions who attend or work at a school that has been closed. Those at higher risk include:
- People over 65 or under 2 years of age
- People with chronic lung disorders such as asthma or emphysema
- People with chronic heart, kidney, liver or blood disorders
- People with diabetes
- People whose immune systems are compromised by illness or medication
- Pregnant women
- People on long-term aspirin therapy
Both lists are helpful, if belated. Also helpful is the daily list of school absenteeism and closures.
Thwe question I have is: what should the NYC schools be doing (assume they are your locals schools). What lessons would you learn, and how would you do it differently? if you close the schools, when would you open them? What criteria would you use? What should the plan be for the fall? Etc. |
