Community update
Last week Walmart, Home Depot and several other large national retailers who had made the bold step to mandate masks for shoppers in their stores, relaxed this requirement and are now only “recommending” that customers wear masks. This change in policy, while understandable given the backlash these businesses experienced from customers, is disappointing, to say the least. COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets in the air, and wearing a mask is the best proven infection prevention measure we can implement to slow and potentially stop the spread of COVID-19.
Mask Versus Shields:
The CDC recommends using cloth face coverings or surgical/procedural masks as a barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when someone talks, coughs, sneezes, or raises their voice. While face shields do serve some of that purpose, the face mask/face covering provides a more comprehensive protection to all parties involved, as there are less gaps/openings for droplets to enter. I have included a simple graph (below) that outlines the importance of wearing a mask - please share and encourage your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to wear a mask when out in public.
COVID Questions? Call 211 or (800)244-7431 or visit: www.coronavirus.iowa.gov
Clarke and Murray Community School Districts
Our local school districts have spent the last several months developing a “return to learn” plan for the 2020-21 school year. This plan is guided by direction from the Department of Education and the Governor’s office and states that the plan must incorporate a 100% return of students to the classroom, and an optional “hybrid” plan that allows a combined at home and in school learning agenda. The COVID-19 landscape has been and will continue to be a rapidly changing environment, which will present significant challenges to our schools as they implement the return to learn plan.
Please recognize that the educators in our community are experiencing the same stresses and anxieties that have pressured our healthcare systems, first responders, and community members over the past several months. The community support and generosity given to Clarke County Hospital by the community went a long way in boosting our morale and resolve…it is time to “pay it forward” to the school districts, administrators, teachers, and support staff as they enter into uncharted territory.
Mask versus Shield - 2:
www.cdc.gov- Use of Cloth Face Coverings in Schools is a great resource from the CDC that outlines their recommendations for infection prevention for returning K - 12 grade students.