The Daily New York City’s 3 Percent Problem
Nov 23, 2020
In this discussion, Eliza Shapiro, a New York City education reporter for The New York Times, provides insights into the challenges of managing public school closures during the pandemic. She explains the controversial 3% COVID positivity rate that triggered the latest shutdown, raising questions about safety measures in schools. Shapiro highlights the emotional impact on students and parents, while weighing the need for effective strategies for reopening. Listeners gain an understanding of the broader implications for education across the nation.
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Moral Case for Reopening
- Mayor Bill de Blasio prioritized reopening schools, viewing it as crucial for addressing inequality and providing essential services.
- He emphasized the city's low positivity rates and the moral imperative of in-person learning.
Logistical Hurdles and Resistance
- Reopening NYC schools posed logistical challenges, including creating dual systems for in-person and remote learning and updating old buildings.
- The city faced resistance from teachers concerned about safety, leading to protests and skepticism.
3% Threshold Introduced
- Mayor de Blasio introduced safety measures like masks, social distancing, and testing to address concerns about reopening.
- He pledged to close schools if the city's infection rate reached 3%, a lower threshold than the 5% discussed at the time.