I did not know that.
Oh, science is in there somewhere, too, just like Joe Biden promised.
CDC Director and "physician-scientist" Rochelle Welensky made it clear:
I recognize that the decision, on when and how to begin in-person learning is one that must be based on a thorough review of what the science tells us works.
Good to hear. We must listen to the science and not play politics like Trump did!
Which candidate for President has made it clear that he will develop policies based on the advice of the best scientists in our country and the world?
Joe Biden!
Scientists making scientific judgements based on the science!
According to Welensky, the science has found:
· Although children can be infected with sars-cov-2, can get sick from covid-19, and can spread the virus to others, less than 10% of covid-19 cases in the u.s. have been among children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 17.
· Children and adolescents may be less commonly infected with sars-cov-2 than adults.
· In-person learning in schools has not been associated with a substantial, community transmission. sars-cov-2 transmission among students is relatively rare.
· Students are not the primary sources of exposure to sars-cov-2, among adults in school settings.
· Evidence suggests that staff-to-staff transmission is more common than transmission from students to staff, staff to student, or student to student.
· It is possible for communities to reduce the incidence of covid-19, while keeping schools open for in-person instruction.
However, that's just old-fashioned data-based science.
As Walensky explains they also had to have:
...an understanding of the lived experiences, challenges, and perspectives, of teachers and school staff, parents, and students.
Aren't we all scientists when you think about it, but not too much?
We have conducted an in-depth review of the available science and evidence base to guide our recommendations, and we have also engaged with many education and public-health partners, to hear firsthand from parents and teachers, directly, about their experiences and concerns.
The "science of concerns" is a rigorous discipline that's been growing in popularity since February 4, 2021.
When Walensky said schools could reopen, she had only been speaking in her "personal capacity" as a scientist, and not in her official capacity as someone who wants to keep her job.
These sessions were so informative, and direct changes to the guidance were made as a result of them.
What kind of changes?
Sciency-based guidelines that if followed would keep only 99% of all students at home.
Given that over 60% of school districts nationwide are already open with at least a hybrid model, Joe Biden's "school reopening plan" would result in fewer schools being open.
War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength,...
And Closing is Opening!
As Wellensky emphasized:
I want to be clear, with the release of this operational strategy, CDC is not mandating that schools reopen.
Science moves fast.
