Podcast Summary
Schools closing to prevent coronavirus spread: During school closures, practice good hygiene, social distancing, and engage in educational activities to limit getting sick and stay informed.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, many schools have been closing nationwide, even before having a significant number of infections. Corey Turner, NPR's Education correspondent, explains that this decision was made to prevent further spread of the virus and ensure the safety of students and staff. Malaka Gharib, an editor on NPR's Global Health and Development desk, adds that this can be a scary time for kids and families, and they can help by providing accurate information and resources. In response to school closures, families can take measures to limit getting sick, such as practicing good hygiene and social distancing. Additionally, they can find ways to pass the time at home, like engaging in educational activities or creating art, as Malaka has been doing with her coronavirus-themed cartoons. It's important to stay informed and take precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones during this uncertain time.
School closures reduce infections by nearly 30%: School closures can help limit contact and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, reducing infections by nearly 30% historically, but consider the impact on vulnerable populations.
School closures can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases in a community. Dr. Nicholas Christakis, a sociologist at Yale University, shared research indicating that school closures during a flu epidemic in Japan a decade ago reduced infections by nearly 30%. While there is ongoing debate about the role of children in the transmission of COVID-19, closing schools as a precautionary measure can help limit contact and prevent the spread of the virus. Historically, this approach was effective during the 1918 flu pandemic, with cities that closed their schools early experiencing lower death rates compared to those that did not. However, it's essential to consider the potential impact on vulnerable populations, as school closures can create challenges for low-income families.
Navigating School Closures: A New Routine for Families: Families face challenges with school closures, including childcare, essential services, and new routines. Essential workers add to the pressure, and the uncertainty of closure duration complicates matters. Older children can help alleviate some pressure by taking on more responsibility.
The closure of schools due to the coronavirus outbreak poses significant challenges for families, particularly those with young children who depend on schools for essential services like free meals and healthcare. For many parents, the closure of schools means the need to establish a new routine, with additional responsibilities for childcare and household chores. The situation is further complicated by the uncertainty surrounding the duration of the closures, with some experts suggesting they could last for months. The pressure on families is compounded by the fact that many parents are essential workers who cannot work from home or take time off. The situation is further complicated by the fact that short-term closures may not be effective in slowing the spread of the virus. Older children can help alleviate some of the pressure by taking on more responsibility and helping care for younger siblings. It's a challenging time for families, and creating a new routine will be essential for navigating the situation.
Older kids can support younger siblings during crisis: Stay informed, support each other, and follow guidelines are essential actions during a crisis.
Older kids can be a valuable source of support during times of crisis. According to Dr. Osofsky, they have shown to help younger siblings with schoolwork and allow parents to focus on their own needs. Additionally, it's important for parents to be informed about the virus and follow guidelines from trusted sources like the CDC and WHO. When communicating with children, it's crucial to avoid making promises you can't keep and to emphasize the helpers and experts who are working to keep everyone safe. Malika O'Driscoll, in an effort to understand and follow guidelines, spent a day documenting her actions and turned it into a comic for NPR's website. However, she received criticism from epidemiology professors for not following all guidelines, such as avoiding movie theaters and taxis. Overall, staying informed, supporting each other, and following guidelines are key actions during this time.
Navigating the Current Health Crisis: Safety, Routine, and Emotional Support: Assume every surface is contagious, avoid close contact, create a routine for learning and activities, prioritize mental health, and plan for emotional support if someone gets sick.
During times of crisis, it's essential to prioritize safety, both physically and mentally. Corey Turner and Malika Gharib, from NPR's Global Health and Development desk, shared insights on how to navigate the current health situation. They emphasized the importance of assuming that every surface is contagious, avoiding close contact with others, and being conscious of safety measures. For families with children out of school, they suggested creating a routine for learning and activities. Lastly, they emphasized the importance of taking care of one's mental health and planning for emotional support if someone gets sick in the household. Joy Osofsky, a family expert, advised creating a holistic care plan that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of sick individuals. Overall, the experts encouraged listeners to prioritize safety, routine, and emotional support during this challenging time.
