October 5th
Yesterday, the seven-day average coronavirus positivity rate for the city reached 1.72. This increase is the result of the so-called hot-spots in Brooklyn and Queens. In a departure from the Mayor’s plan to shutter the schools when the city-wide rate reaches 3%, he plans to close 100 schools in 9 zip codes on Wednesday. The 200 private schools in the same zip codes are expected to close as well. Apparently, DeBlasio needs Cuomo’s approval, although I don’t know why. (If you know, please tell me!) The other reason for the delay, according to the principals’ union - which supports the delay - is to to allow adequate time to prepare for the two-week shutdown by distributing materials and technology to students.
It was always the case that the virus hit some communities harder than others and it’s fairly clear that the original school closure policy was no more coherent than the ‘plan’ to reopen the whole school system to hybrid learning. Contact tracing is still not fully operational; a student attending PS 373K tested positive and the family had to self-report the child’s illness before staff and families were informed. The plan to close schools in areas where there is significant community spread is not a bad plan, but it is being executed in a way that sows chaos and confusion. Imagine if the Mayor and Governor could have made a joint announcement.
In this final month before the election, there are a number of interesting events that are also fundraisers for Democratic candidates. Tonight, there’s Leading in 2020 and Beyond: a discussion featuring Maine Governor Janet Mills, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, and former Congressman Barney Frank; it’s a benefit for Maine Democrats. You can register here. A few weeks ago, we signed on to a fundraiser for Wisconsin Democrats and we ‘attended’ the Zoom reading of The Princess Bride by the original cast (plus a few necessary substitutions); if you missed it, donate here and watch the replay. This Thursday, Paul Simon will perform to support Senate candidates committed to tackling the climate crisis: Barbara Bollier (KS), Steve Bullock (MT), Cal Cunningham (NC), Theresa Greenfield (IA), Ossoff and Warnock (GA), and Jaime Harrison (SC). You can help Green the Senate, and hear Paul Simon sing.
Vote Forward is trying to send 15 million letters to swing state voters. Millions of letters have already gone out. Sign up here to write letters with Vote Forward.
Remember to carve out some news-free zones in your day. Let’s try to lower our collective blood pressure. My friend Susan is leading a metta meditation at 8 AM tomorrow; all are welcome.
with love,
L
https://gothamist.com/news/despite-documented-human-rights-abuses-de-blasio-refuses-denounce-nypds-mott-haven-beatdown
https://www.blocbybloc.org/donations (see Oct 2 email from Angela)
https://gothamist.com/news/schools-update-williamsburg-school-designated-national-blue-ribbon-school