As the 2020 school year rapidly approaches, and coronavirus cases continue to set new record highs, teachers across the country are conflicted about their own safety when it comes to returning to school this Fall.
The American Academy of Pediatrics wants to see all students back at school next month, while the CDC advises that virtual learning is the safest option. States are pushing their own agendas, and November’s presidential election feels as though returning to school is now a political move rather than one rooted in science and safety.
With all of the noise swirling about back to school, teachers across the U.S. are feeling conflicted about what their return to the classroom will mean for their own safety and that of their families.
Abby Cornelius, a librarian from Stilwell, Kansas, took to Twitter this weekend after a visit to her doctor put the terrifying realities of being a teacher in 2020, into perspective.
“Saw my doc today for my annual checkup,” Abby started her now-viral Twitter thread.
Her doctor recommended five things to be aware of as a teacher facing the classroom this fall.
She said N95 masks were a must, and every teacher should have at least 5.
“Label them mon-fri,” she wrote. “Let them sit for a week between wearing.”
Saw my doc today for annual checkup. Her recommendations for me and my teacher friends:
1)have at least 5 n95 masks (no homemade masks) and label them mon-fri. Let them sit for a week between wearing. 1/— Abby Cornelius (@abrarian) July 17, 2020
In addition to the N95 mask, Abby’s doctor recommended she also wear a face shield.
Covering your face is just the start of it. Abby continued, “wear mask in a high bun and cover hair because droplets can rest in hair and then spread if touched.”
2) with the n95, also wear a face shield.
3) wear mask in a high bun and cover hair because droplets can rest in hair and then spread if touched.
4) when getting home, clothes go straight to washer 2/— Abby Cornelius (@abrarian) July 17, 2020
When returning home, all clothes should go straight into the washing machine. And teachers are advised not to bring work stuff into the house.
Her final recommendation is a harrowing reminder of the silent enemy we’re facing this school year.
“Buy life insurance and update will.”
4) don’t bring work stuff in house,
5) buy life insurance and update will.
She was livid and so was I that she had to advise me in this manner.— Abby Cornelius (@abrarian) July 17, 2020
Because teachers didn’t have enough on their plates already, we’re essentially sending these underpaid heroes into a war zone, hoping they make it out alive.
“She was livid and so was I that she had to advise me in this manner,” Abby wrote of her conversation with the doctor.
Her thread was met with hundreds of comments from fellow teachers who shared similar advice from their own doctors.
My doctor also told me teaching right now will be like being in a rock concert, without a mask, how it’s not a matter of “if” I’ll get it, but when I’ll get it. And that my husband I, both teachers, should get our affairs ready, before starting school.
— Natalia O Lobo (@nataliaaolobo) July 18, 2020
Just so it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. At least here in Washington, we were told to practice “do-no-harm grading” during distance learning. We can’t let the light go dim again on the revelation from this institutional admission. “No harm” needs to be permanent policy.
— Monte Syrie (@MonteSyrie) July 17, 2020
Many also pointed out how difficult it will be for teachers to get their hands on N95 masks, as many doctors and nurses working the front lines of the pandemic haven’t even had access to ample personal protective equipment (PPE).
Abby said her doctor’s recommendations were based off of her knowledge of Abby’s low-risk health, and working in a high school building with 1600+ students, and 200+ faculty and staff.
According to the New York Times, a new study of nearly 65,000 people in South Korea found that children between the ages of 10 and 19 can spread the coronavirus just as much as adults. The findings suggest that school reopenings will trigger more outbreaks.
Still, the U.S. is moving full speed ahead with many districts across the nation planning on reopening schools as usual this fall with social distancing measures in place.
