Our instruction manual for combating COVID-19 started with blank pages. We've slowly filled them with notes and studies and gradually applied them to rules of practical living, along with government recommended standard practices. But those "notes" are in pencil, with many erasures and cross-outs.
We've learned conclusively that this virus holds only minor consequences for school-age children. This should lead us to prudently normalize the school setting as soon and as thoroughly as possible.
In contrast, as of now we know far less about how contagious these young people might be. They are personally largely unaffected, but we're still learning about how likely they are to spread the virus. Early reports about how readily they do are encouraging, but as yet are inconclusive. We should therefore focus attention on those with whom students have contact, specifically those we know are more seriously affected by COVID. Older teachers and older family members should be the focus of protective measures.
If we summarily shut down schools, we're inviting all the emotional and social "collateral damage" into our lives which come from interrupting educational interaction by our young people. Students must be prudently permitted to get on with their educations.
Steve Bakke, Edina
FIFTH DISTRICT
Less celebrity, more legislating
As a resident in the Fifth Congressional District, I am tired of being ignored by my representative. A U.S. representative should be focused on their constituents — not their personal brand.
This is why I am voting for Lacy Johnson for Congress. We need a representative who has roots in the community, understands the issues and will work endlessly to fix them. Johnson has said himself that he will be a servant to the constituents of CD5, and already has a record of doing just that.
Johnson has lived in north Minneapolis for over 40 years. During this time, he has worked on economic development and education within the inner city. He is also responsible for encouraging large tech companies to take advantage of the Opportunity Zones within our district.
As simply a member of society, Johnson has worked to end economic disparities and close achievement gaps in education. As a member of Congress he will do so much more.