Q: Is VIA doing anything to help reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2?
A: Yes. While it is true that children are far less likely to spread (based on the studies
referenced here) and apparently less likely to get covid-19 (https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/146/2/e2020004879) we are implementing the following steps, at least for the beginning of the 2020 Fall semester:
- In person classes that have a conventional classroom
setting (i.e. sit at desks or tables) will practice social
distancing between desks/seats,
- Hand sanitizer will be readily available in all classrooms and the family study/lunch room,
- Classes
that have group projects, such as the Lego Robotics class, will employ
the "pods" method employed by the Minnesota State Highschool League for
sports team practices (and in fact with much smaller sizes). This will
allow group work to continue while minimizing large group interactions.
- Different
age group class times will be shifted so that the students of different age
groups will not be passing in hallways at the same time,
- Lunch starting times will be staggered by age/grade 11:10 6-9 year olds, 11:20 4-6th graders, 11:30 7-12th graders, 11:40 3-6 year olds.
- For the purposes of protecting tutors and parish staff working in the school building VIA reserves the right to ask parents to wear a mask if they are in the hallways to pick up students.