BACK TO SCHOOL COVID AND CULTURE WARS: THE NEW NORMAL OR THE END OF CIVILIZATION AS WE KNOW IT

 

BACK TO SCHOOL COVID AND CULTURE WARS

THE NEW NORMAL OR THE END OF CIVILIZATION AS WE KNOW IT

Well, folks, it's that time of year again. The time when parents rejoice and kids groan as school starts up once more. But this year, there's a new twist: COVID-19 is still hanging around like that one annoying kid who never leaves your house party.

With mask mandates and school closures looming, it's easy to get caught up in the panic. But let's take a step back and remember that we're all in this together. We can do this if everyone just chills out and does what's best for all.

Of course, that's easier said than done. The culture wars are raging, and mask mandates have become a political hot potato. But let's put politics aside for a moment and focus on what really matters: the health and safety of our kids.

School districts are doing their best to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, but it's not easy. Without national guidance, decisions on mitigation measures are up to local leaders in cooperation with health authorities and consultation with the community. And let's face it, superintendents are in a tough spot. They have to balance the health needs of their students with the blowback from politicized parents.

But there is hope on the horizon. The updated COVID-19 vaccines are anticipated to become available by the end of September, and preventives against RSV are expected to roll out in time for this year's season. So hang in there, folks.

As we navigate this new school year, it's important to remember that COVID-19 has been associated with worsening mental health among students of all ages. Social isolation, academic disruption, loss of caregivers, economic hardship, and exposure to violence or abuse are just some of the factors that contribute to this. But fear not, psychologists are working on solutions to help students cope and improve their well-being.

The CDC and other health authorities have issued guidance for COVID-19 prevention strategies in schools and child care programs. These strategies include vaccination, masking, ventilation, testing, and contact tracing. But implementation may vary depending on local conditions, resources, and policies.

Some states have enacted or planned to enact COVID-19 vaccine mandates for students in certain grades or settings, but most have not. California was the first state to announce a vaccine requirement for middle and high school students, but it delayed the mandate until at least July 1, 2023, pending full approval by the FDA of a COVID-19 vaccine for children under 16 years old. Other states have explicitly banned COVID-19 vaccines from being included in school mandates. The decision to require COVID-19 vaccination for school entry rests with state or local authorities.

In conclusion, school is back and so is COVID-19, but we can get through this if we all just chill out and do what's best for everyone. Wash your hands, wear a mask, and stay home if you're feeling sick. And remember - virtual learning has its perks. You can wear pajamas all day!

COVID-19 raises anxiety at start of new school year | The Hill https://thehill.com/homenews/education/4181957-covid-19-raises-anxiety-at-start-of-new-school-year/ 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

COVID and back to school 2023. 

• - The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with worsening mental health among students of all ages, especially young adults, women, lower-income households, and people with disabilities or health conditions. Some of the factors that contribute to this include social isolation, academic disruption, loss of caregivers, economic hardship, and exposure to violence or abuse. Psychologists are working to develop and disseminate solutions to help students cope and improve their well-being. ¹²³⁴
• - The CDC and other health authorities have issued guidance for COVID-19 prevention strategies in schools and child care programs, such as vaccination, masking, ventilation, testing, and contact tracing. These strategies are based on the best available scientific and epidemiological evidence and are meant to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and maintain safe operations in educational settings. However, the implementation of these strategies may vary depending on local conditions, resources, and policies. ⁵⁶⁷⁸
• - Some states have enacted or planned to enact COVID-19 vaccine mandates for students in certain grades or settings, but most have not. California was the first state to announce a vaccine requirement for middle and high school students, but it delayed the mandate until at least July 1, 2023, pending full approval by the FDA of a COVID-19 vaccine for children under 16 years old. Other states have explicitly banned COVID-19 vaccines from being included in school mandates. The decision to require COVID-19 vaccination for school entry rests with state or local authorities. ⁹ [^10^] ¹¹

Bing, 9/5/2023

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