New reports based on information from the Iowa Department of Public Health suggest that current COVID-19 conditions may be worse than we’ve been led to believe. It appears some new cases and deaths have been backdated, making it difficult to know how current circumstances are playing out.
Let’s all continue to practice preventive health measures, including:
- Wearing a mask
- Keeping distance from others in public places
- Washing hands frequently
- Staying home when sick
These defenses against the spread of COVID-19 are our best chance of getting life back to normal as soon as possible.
It’s back-to school time, and most parents would love for kids to return to their classroom – when it is safe.
School boards, educators and families continue to deliberate the safest approach with the information available. After all, their health and safety and that of their communities is at stake.
The Iowa State Education Association recommends a three-point checklist for safely reopening schools:
- The COVID-19 pandemic is under control in the community.
- Protections are in place to protect students and staff.
- Plans are in place to ensure continuous learning for all students.
Our neighbors to the north are taking these steps and more, showing us a safe way to ease children back into classrooms.
Minnesota is ensuring high-quality remote education until it is safe for students and educators to return to school. The Minnesota plan:
- Requires schools that reopen to meet safety thresholds, including masks for students and teachers, social distancing, cleaning and protective equipment—and provides state support to cover the costs.
- Requires schools that reopen to meet safety thresholds, including masks for students and teachers, social distancing, cleaning and protective equipment—and provides state support to cover the costs.
- Requires schools that reopen to meet safety thresholds, including masks for students and teachers, social distancing, cleaning and protective equipment—and provides state support to cover the costs.
No amount of seat time in a classroom will make up for jeopardizing the health of our kids. Let’s put their safety first as we continue to assess our return-to-learn plans.