A 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) UPDATE #20
For March 5, 2020
A Community CONVERSATION on COVID-19 and School Impact (We will sponsor ongoing online conversations each week) AAIE School Leaders Discuss COVID-19 Issues on Friday, March 6, 2020 at 7:00AM New York Time An online CONVERSATION facilitated by Kevin Bartlett and Will Richardson. Expect a robust discussion. This is a prototype activity for us. We have 84 participants where the discussion will be driven by essential questions you have submitted. The link for the online COVID-19 CONVERSATION is sent to you upon registration.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS: School Closure
We have been asked a number of questions about criteria for school closure due to spread of an infectious disease. On this one you can't wing it, but rather must consider use of a descriptive rubric specific to your school context- then communicate to all stakeholders in collaboration with your board. Briefly, here are a few suggested essential questions toward building a risk assessment rubric (based on using a committee of experts)
And finally, thanks to our Shabbi Luthra and Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton, California, CLICK HERE for one of the most comprehensive school closure protocols (using three risk levels) that we have reviewed.
News Update
The worldwide goal remains containment and caring for the sick toward recovery. The WHO is now indicating that COVID-19 carries a mortality rate of 3.4%.
Drug repurposing experiments are being reported (CLICK HERE) where broad-spectrum antivirus drugs are being considered to block replication of the coronavirus. Actual immunizations are reported to be more than a year away.
In the way of the most recent briefing, take note of the WHO Director General's briefing comments as of March 4 (note his comment about the three "C's":
"There is no one-size fits all approach. Different countries are in different scenarios. 119 countries have not detected any cases. And of the 75 countries with cases, 47 have 10 cases or less. Some have just reported their first cases. Some have clusters of cases, with transmission between family members and other close contacts. Some have rapidly expanding epidemics, with signs of community transmission. And some have declining epidemics, and have not reported a case for more than two weeks. Some countries have more than one of these scenarios at the same time. WHO is advising countries on actions they can take for each of the "three Cs" scenarios – first case, first cluster, and first evidence of community transmission.
Do read the most recent and full briefing of March 4, 2020 from the WHO Director General.
A write-up from Forbes presents a lay person's review of recent research findings that COVID-19 may have mutated into at least two different strains. The revised WHO mortality rate for COVID-19 is also discussed.
STAT-news offers a quick video on whether COVID-19 cases will diminish with the onset on warmer weather in the Northern Hemisphere. Considering hot and humid weather in Singapore, well... the answer is not that easy.
You are not alone. Over 290,000,000 students around the world have had their education interrupted. The Washington Post offers and overview of our leadership challenge of keeping everyone's attention during on the prize– teaching and learning. LISTING* OF COUNTRIES EXPERIENCING INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL CLOSURES (* With thanks to A/OS)
(updated hourly online)
(the answer is not so simple... )
Editor's Note: Please remember that AAIE is providing these updates to ensure you have ease of access to information. Our goal is to keep you informed with curated articles that may be helpful to you and how you respond to your school community. If you have articles or local stories to share, please pass along. |