41 thoughts on “C-19 Chat Post – December 8 2020”

  1. The first recipient of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine in the world was a 90 year old grandmother from the U.K. as of this morning.

  2. There is now a concern from teachers nationwide that students grades are getting lower since the pandemic began due to remote learning. On the evening news yesterday there was a segment with this 13 year old boy who literally went from straight A’s to now C’s since he went to remote. He mentioned how he really misses his teachers and in person learning.

    There is now a push (from parents especially) to go back to in person learning full time. 5 days per week regardless of the level of Covid-19 cases in any given location.

  3. Philip I saw your comment and am surprised. I came here to post what I learned from our school committee meeting last night.

    We had two high schools student reps, teachers, aides, counselors, principals and of course the superintendent. The students began the conversation and both agreed that remote was working. Switching from in person to remote was a bit of a challenge but nothing they couldn’t handle.

    The teachers amaze me. One was emotional and had me in tears. They focused on how their kids are shining. Several counselors mentioned that kids are improving perhaps more than they would otherwise. One early learning teacher said kids had invented games around wearing masks. I often think we need to look past academics as the only goal for kids to meet. Every one of the individuals last night was positive. I am betting that is why the experience is positive.

    Personally, I have four grands full remote. My 7 year old grandson here has an IEP in reading. He fell behind a bit in spring. At the start of this year, after “testing,” his teacher that focuses in reading as part of his IEP was insistent that he be hybrid. My daughter had no intention of sending him to school. She had his parent teacher conference the other day and that same teacher (to her credit for sure) said recognized that my daughter knows her kids and said this same grand had moved past other kids and was doing better than he may well have with a hybrid model.

    Second instance. My 8 year old granddaughter whose mom is a school committee member is, according to all of her teachers, is excelling this year far more than past years

    I don’t know what the reasons are. Maybe the teacher investment or the continuity or what. But I’m not hearing that kids I am aware of…..and I know it is a minute percent….are struggling. But I do know it can work.

    1. Thanks Vicki. It probably varies region-to-region, teacher to teacher, student to student, parent to parent.

      I guess some adjust to remote, others don’t. It does seem though that state, local officials and most of the medical community including Dr. Fauci are really pushing in person learning regardless of cases.

      1. It definitely varies by region, school and student. I believe they may be slowing down or stopping pushing in school now that it is spreading in the school. Remember these are the same folks who said kids don’t get it, changed to young kids don’t get it, changed to yes they get it but it doesn’t spread in school. It is spreading in schools. It is Doing so later than anticipated but it is indeed spreading in schools. Even Baker has stopped so much as mentioning schools.

        This is what I forgot to mention and am sorry for that.

        Our kids who are high need are worrisome. Teachers mentioned that it is difficult in the lower grades, especially with higher need kids, since masks do not stay on and distancing is impossible. This is where I don’t know how anyone decides what the answer is. Teachers are highly exposed. Students are also exposed, but they need in person. You cannot teach high need children remotely with much success.

        1. I just reread your comment. Every school in the commonwealth remains open regardless of cases. It is the recommendation of DESE. It is when the clusters show up indicating spread that the schools go full remote. That is decided by the local board of health with input from the superintendent. The school committee is pretty much out of the picture by then

  4. All of that said above. Sutton is back to full remote until at least January 4. We have had 196 cases since March. As of last nights meeting we have 120 active cases in Sutton. So 76 cases March to September/October and now this. We are considered the hot spot in central MA. Every person on the meeting last night begged parents to so what they should and also stop sending kids to school sick.

    And they are seeing more cases of flu.

      1. Framingham has seen it spread in school. I assume you saw above that Sutton is full remote till at least Jan 4

  5. Baker said starting Sunday back to phase 3, step 1

    He was getting pushback from not only the WH covid team but from some governors around the state, including Somerville. He was making it hard for them.

    And so far he has not said one word about schools in last several pressers

    1. I bet this will set back restaurants. They seem to always get the shaft.

      What else gets cut back with this new phase/step?

  6. As far as the Governor today I do not think he is doing enough. I have 100% confidence in Doctor Fauci and he said the numbers from thanksgiving will be out 2 to 3 weeks from the event . Those full numbers have not been seen yet although everyone thinks we are . What will Baker do when the numbers go sky high ??? Baker should order all schools in the state closed till after the New Year and reevaluate at that time .

    1. Enough is enough. Baker did more today and that is good. But I am afraid not enough. Surely not what he did in spring. Just doesn’t make sense to me that his approach is so different.

      1. That’s why I said above let’s see what he does when the numbers next week ( thanksgiving numbers ) come in as this could force his hand even more . Because let’s face it if hospitals are feeling it now what happens next week if the numbers double or triple from today’s numbers . We will be in big trouble that’s what .

        1. Ssk the numbers now are considered thanksgiving numbers. It will be two weeks Thursday. I’m sure there will be more but though on top of these

            1. As am I. Gotta read my comment. What we are are seeing now is the start of thanksgiving with more to come….the full brunt.

              “So we’re getting those staggering numbers of new cases and hospitalizations before we even feel the full brunt of the Thanksgiving holiday,” Fauci said. Health experts warned before the holiday that Americans should gather virtually rather than risk exposure.”

  7. Couple of things. Vicki in terms of your concern about first responders and the X-Mas holiday and snow. They are talking about doubling for those two days at MGH. With one set X-mas Eve being primary then and the other half being primary for X-Mas to prevent that type of situation. This is just something my Dad heard the other day at one hospital so its just a possiblity.

    I heard more and more about the vaccines. Way I think it should be broken down if I ruled the world.
    1. Frontline workers @ hospitals ( not those that been working at home all this time)
    2. People over the age of 60 and those that are high risk.
    3. Family members of frontline workers.
    4. Students high school through grad-school and essential workers including all elementary and middle school teachers.
    5 Elementary & middle school students
    6. everyone else.
    I am also a strong believer that people that follow the rules should get priority but I know those that are not following the rules are probably gonna end up getting the vaccine which is annoying.

    1. I’m not sure I understand. Are you saying hospitals workers will double up but not sure how that works. I know in most areas first responders do not have the manpower.

      For your list of vaccines. Are fire and police in there? I’m not clear on that. Also, I would include all school employees from principal to bus drivers. And also grocery store workers. So many I’d put before my category which is 2.

      All of that said, I was wrong in my earlier comment about even a light snow by missing one VERY important fact. Many families will try for an outdoor event …even short lived ….to see family. It was spoiled on thanksgiving by rain. Frankly, I am hoping for 50 degrees and clear. And I know Mother Nature will always have the last say

      1. I consider first responders as group 1 with firefighters going before police because of how having long term respiratory issues can keep them from having a job and also they work with ambulance employees.
        Principles can do their thing virtually so I do not consider them at the same level as teachers. grocery and bus drivers are in essential workers
        People shouldn’t be meeting in big groups period. they should be sticking with people they been living with. If they do, they are being selfish.

        When it comes to employees, my dad’s department have enough man power to have 2 teams that work one day and another that works the other day. Especially since they are personally hiring people to work the covid units.

        1. Thanks Matt. For the most part I agree. My question was because you mentioned front line workers at hospitals but not first responders. I think you may have meant both.

          FWIW Principals here are in school. Some in law enforcement are in the correctional units which have a good deal of covid. Postal workers and delivery folks are key also. Not going to be easy but I think we will get it done

          Not sure where your comment comes from re people meeting with others but I agree.

        2. Matt I do not think police & fire will get it until the second round . Hospital workers will come first I believe that’s what was decided by the panel & I agree . Those hospital workers will be prioritized meaning doctors & nurses i am suspecting first

          1. I actually just was reading the Governor will be announcing vaccine distribution plans today and according to what I was just reading first responders are in batch one I guess .

  8. Hospital folks getting it first then the frontline workers I believe is how it’s going to go . Hospital & nursing home folks I think is what I heard . As far as hospitals go they will prioritize who gets it first with the goal to get the entire hospital vaccinated whether that will be by choice or order I do not know .

    1. That sounds very reasonable to me. The folks in the hospitals are truly our angels. They are not alone to be sure, but I world think they would be first in line

  9. The post for today won’t be up until a server is reset (probably a little later this morning), so you may continue here for now…

Comments are closed.