Coronavirus: How it Affects Schools

by Makayla Secrist

Today’s political climate hasn’t exactly helped Americans much when it comes to slowing the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunely, the numbers are surging once again in the cold weather that viruses love.

Main stream media sources like Washington Post and CNN have reported doctors warning against something called “plague fatigue.” This fatigue is like any other. Those vigilant in slowing the spread of the virus may find themselves so tired of all the extra steps to keep sickness at bay from they start slipping up in their routine.

With so many policy changes happening when it comes to masks, quarantine, how the virus spreads and a load of other facts coming at American’s from all sides it’s not hard to see why “plague fatigue” is happening and how it can be so dangerous.

Demoney Elementary recently updated their mask policy to match that of the Iowa Public Health guidelines. This lead to prohibiting gaiters to use as face coverings and for masks to be worn at all times unless proper social distancing is in place for students if they need a break. Face shields have also been discouraged as an alternative to masks as they have shown to not prohibit the spread of infection.

It’s important for schools to keep vigilance and escape “plague fatigue” during the cold winter months to keep COVID cases to a minimum. Pamela Gravert, nurse at Okoboji schools, “Right now we are following the guidelines from… the Department of Education and Iowa Department of Public Health. So we’re trying to… keep the kids six feet apart as much as possible and that’s not always possible, but as much as possible.”

Gravert also explained, “We do have a mask mandate at Okoboji Schools here to help mitigate the spread… We’re following the guidelines when kids are sick and when to send them home based on the Iowa Department of Public Health.”

Iowa schools are following the CDC recommendation on masks and any face covering not listed there (face shields, neck gaiters, etc.) are not recognized as acceptable face coverings. Students without proper face covering are given a disposable mask to use that day.

Iowa Lakes and Demoney schools have issued cloth masks for all students to use regularly. Demoney elementary in particular gave two cloth face masks to every student and will switch between them each week so the kids can have a fresh mask while the other is cleaned.

As an added feature no schools are allowing many visitors if any at all to help prevent spread. Iowa Lakes now has locks on every door that can only be opened with a student’s id and in the case of Demoney Elementary, no parents or guardians are allowed out of their cars during drop off or pick up.

Policies are still just as strict as in the beginning when businesses started opening up again, but hopefully all the policies in place will keep students and staff safe from infection be it COVID-19 or any other sickness.