To Prepare for Coronavirus, Simple Measures Are Often Most Effective

With confirmed and suspected cases of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) spreading throughout the United States, school and district officials are starting to plan for school closures and shifts to online learning. Yet such measures are seriously costly and disruptive for schools, students, families, employers, and communities. They may also disproportionately harm lower-income families, who may lack the kind of protections — job security, sick days, opportunities to work remotely — that allow caregivers to stay home with children. These families may be less likely to have computers with broadband access for online learning, and they frequently depend on school breakfast and lunch programs to meet their children’s nutritional needs.

While future-oriented contingency planning is essential, schools and districts can take immediate action that is low-cost and highly effective: enabling all students and adults to wash their hands with soap and water frequently………….