I mean, that’s just it, though. We could’ve prioritized schools and closed other things. But most places didn’t, because The Economy. I mean, there are no good answers, I don’t want businesses to close either. And of course no one is going to pay anyone to stay closed as long as McConnell is running things.
Though, here in Chicago a large issue is in-home gatherings and I am not certain how a ban on that would be enforced, short of literally sealing people into their homes? Though the city has busted a few large parties here and there.
Also, Chicago public schools tend to be small and overcrowded with poor ventilation. One reason the teacher’s union has been so adamantly against in-person school is that social distancing is impossible in most buildings, and it’s too cold to have windows wide open especially in the schools where the heat functions poorly.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) has updated its advice regarding risks of allergic reactions to new mRNA COVID-19 vaccines:
We’ve had schools closed here since March and it has been kind of a disaster because there’s been little local control, it’s all at the state level. Our state has had the most school restrictions in the country. What works in Portland (pop 2 million) is not what works in Yachats (Population 773). As of Jan 1 they are letting schools choose their own destiny.
Here’s another “wtf why” moment: I have a friend of a friend who’s a high school teacher. Her school was making her come into the building (where some in person classes were happening) so that she could teach zoom classes from her physical classroom. She has no IRL classes but has to be present in the classroom on all work days. Whyyyyyy.
I think the practices in place within schools really matter. Everyone masked, windows open for ventilation (even in winter), some semblance of physical distancing, smaller class sizes, cohorting. It also makes a difference what is happening in their families (do the grown ups work outside the home in high-transmission settings? Are the household members isolating or having a lot of contacts?) and if we’re talking about little kids or adult-sized kids (how readily they transmit infection).
I do wish we, as a society, would prioritize schools. And congregate living situations (care homes, prisons). We haven’t, of course, so those with the least amount of resources are left to twist in the wind.
I’ve checked so many times today that I’m surprised my bank login hasn’t been frozen on the grounds that I don’t normally login this many times in…3 months.
Oh shit. I just realized I closed the bank account I got the stimulus money in. Does anyone know what I should do? Am I doomed to have no stimulus forever?
There’s going to be a tool on the IRS website shortly to check where your stimulus is, the next few days they say. I expect there will be more information next week. I had to guess, they’ll probably try to send direct deposit to that closed account and then mail a check when it gets bounced back.
Having this OPTION for teachers who may not have the fancy internet at home is nice. Making it a requirement feels … misinformed.