A 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) UPDATE #22
For March 9, 2020 NEXT COVID-19 Online CONVERSATION
THURSDAY, March 12 8:00AM New York Time Send questions to guide our discussion
To again share several key LINKS in support of your leadership... News Update The COVID-19 virus is in 105 countries and territories (64 countries one week ago).
Two weeks ago, Italy had just 9 cases (now 7,375). 7 weeks ago, China reported 50 cases. Once the epidemics are discovered, they've been underway for awhile. Case counts grow quickly. Same likely will be true in other countries. (see research out of Germany below)
The WHO is reporting in today's situation report that global demand for needed medical materials is outstripping supply.
More researchers are writing about statistics of infection doubling and the ability of a given country's health care system to respond (a needed criteria for your school's risk management matrix). If indeed 10% of people may need extended hospital care (using Italy as example), then the number of beds required is without precedent nor is infrastructure in place to fully respond.
In the USA context, Princeton University is encouraging students to not return from spring break and to be ready for online lectures. Readings for Today
German researchers have developed a better understanding of COVID-19 virus behavior in humans, noting that infectiousness is most extreme in the first days of a person being subjected to the virus. A reason the virus is proving so quick to move through a population.
From a historian on pandemics, the NYT carried an article specifically about school closings and effectiveness in doing so. Just as it is prudent to close a school if cases have been identified in or close to the community, there are equal considerations when choosing to reopen.
There is a psychology of FEAR, and the impact is both emotional and physical. The author postures that fear is more infectious than the virus itself. The article is important since as leaders we must lead from a frame of managing fear in our school communities.
We are including the CDC travel risk assessment link since so many of our school leaders are grappling with procedural decisions on how to manage spring break and inevitable travel of teachers and members of the community.
Finally, based on a referral from Dr. Priscilla L. Feir, Associate Vice President, Accreditation, Middle States Association, so take the necessary fifteen minutes to review the Youtube seminars that are being conducted by Dr. John Campbell. He is within the UK context and is focused on the facts, protocols, critique of government response (with a touch of editorial) and offers much needed common sense. CLICK HERE for today's video
(updated hourly online)
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. |