Mary Cipperman ’21
New reporting from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that the coronavirus transmits minimally through in-person schooling, given proper regulations. These include mask mandates, social distancing, air ventilation, and screening tests. Although outdoor athletics saw some significant transmission, classroom learning itself saw limited spread, given these precautions.
Released Tuesday, January 26, the CDC first released a briefing that analyzed cases and transmissions in Wood County, Wisconsin over the period from August 31 to November 29, 2020. Among almost two hundred cases in seventeen rural K-12 schools, only about seven cases (3.7 percent) resulted from transmission at school. Further, the incidence rate among students and faculty was significantly lower than for the county as a whole. Notably, reported student mask-wearing was high.
The CDC’s second review, also issued on January 26, reported that “there has been little evidence that schools have contributed meaningfully to increased community transmission.” Although the report notes incidences of school-related outbreaks, it concludes that schools, at least in the fall semester, have lacked the rapid spread rates of high-density workplaces and senior living facilities.
This report also indicated, however, that school-related activities, such as team sports, significantly increased transmission among both students and staff.
Despite this evidence about athletics, EA appears still committed to continuing both in-person instruction and optional athletic practices. Mia Cabral ‘22 explains that “athletics are a big part of who we are as students at EA.” In response to the reports, she thinks that the choice to “opt-out” of sports ensures that every student has the opportunity to make the best choice for themselves and their families.
With regard to classroom learning, the report aligns with Episcopal Academy guidelines and practices thus far. With mask mandates, proper distancing, and daily screenings, EA has adhered to CDC recommendations. Kris Aldridge, Upper School History teacher, “It doesn’t surprise me that there is a lack of transmissions in schools because people feel responsible for and therefore abide by the precautions that we’ve set forth.” She comments that her students and colleagues have been especially receptive to the coronavirus-related policies.
She concludes: “I think that having COVID precautions at school reminds us all of how important our community is to us, and the steps that we’re willing to take to protect the community. Because [the Episcopal community] matters to us, we are making our decisions for the people we care about.”