School. Right now, it feels like a four-letter word. I've avoided writing about it because I've been avoiding thinking about it. There are so many variables in the reopening equation, I can't even begin to compute them. The pros and cons are daunting, and the decision is mostly out of our hands; our options are somehow limited and endless at the same time. Plus, any plan put together now might feel obsolete by the time my school district swings back into action. So my mindset is like that of a petulant toddler: I am not happy with any option, so I just want it to go away. (By "it," I mean the virus. But at some level, I also mean my children—I adore them, but we would all benefit from a little time apart.)
I'll spare you more of my ranting and cede the spotlight to science. Specifically, to an article titled "Here's What the Science Actually Says About Kids and COVID-19." There's a lot to unpack here, but I'm especially troubled by this study-based statistic: "Only 21% of people between 10 and 19 years old who become infected show symptoms." (I am, however, grateful for the levity that's later provided by this line: "And even if they're not coughing or sneezing, children are generally pretty good at spreading disease through other habits, like touching everything in sight or crying.")
Even an accounting of the facts we know raises questions about what we don't know, including how to assess when children are infected given the absence of both symptoms and adequate access to testing.
If you are in charge of a school-age child, please tell me how you feel about all of this. If you aren't and you perhaps have a bit more detachment, I'd still love to know your perspective. Write to me at andrea@time.com. There is definitely no right or easy answer, but there is comfort in commiseration.
Best, Andrea
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