Kids in Rochester Start in Person Learning Today While COVID Case Counts in Kids Soars

I think most of us are a bit concerned about kids starting school this year.  Students in Rochester, NH at the Maple Street Magnet School are having their first day today, while other schools in Rochester are slated to open September 3^rd.   According to reporting by seacoastonline.com, it will be the first school to return to in-person learning in New Hampshire.  Department of Education officials has taken numerous steps to ensure the safety of students and staff such as protective barriers on desks and making masks mandatory.  Seacoastonline.com reports that there will be signs all around the schools emphasizing good hygiene and reminding students to practice social distancing.

But let’s not sugar coat it.  While New Hampshire’s infection rate for COVID-19 has remained low, the risk is there.  According to a reuters.com article, the infection rate among children in the country rose by 40% in July.  “The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association found that more than 338,000 children have tested positive for COVID-19 since the onset of the U.S. epidemic with 97,078 new cases reported in the July 16-30 period,” per the reuters.com reporting.

Since the infection rate in our state is low, I am sure other states across the county will be watching us closely, along with other states that have decided to open in-person learning such as New York.  I really hope this pandemic gets under control so these kids can have a normal school year and the teachers and staff will be safe.