Scientists from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention published an opinion piece in the online medical journal JAMA on January 26, 2021. They argue that the risk mitigation measures some PK-12 schools are implementing around the world are working and schools do not significantly contribute to community transmission. “Data and Policy to Guide Opening Schools Safely to Limit the Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Infection” cites many studies in schools that demonstrate schools can safely offer on-campus teaching and learning, especially Early Childhood and Elementary School programs. Sadly for someone like me that loves interscholastic sports competitions, they do not recommend holding events with other schools. Atlantic writer Derek Thompson comments on CDC report in the article, “The Truth about Kids, School, and COVID-19“.
The German weekly news magazine, Der Spiegel interviewed virologist Christian Drosten “I Am Quite Apprehensive about What Might Otherwise Happen in Spring and Summer“. Dr. Drosten’s concern about the spring stems from the fact that with many elderly being vaccinated, pressure will mount to open daily life and the number of cases will rise again, causing pressure on the health system. Drosten confirms the lethality of COVID, stating that the mortality rate is 1.1% in Germany, which is 10x greater than influenza.
For subscribers, The Economist article “How fast can vaccination against covid-19 make a difference?” demonstrates that in Israel where abundant vaccination has already taken place, the number of elderly COVID patients seeking critically ill care dropped significantly.
Finally, the Uzbekistan news outlet, Gazeta, reported yesterday that the British COVID variant was detected on January 23. I have lots of questions about the report and will be looking into it with local experts.
TIS Director's Blog 
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