The vaccines for school age children could not have come at a moment too soon. The Murphy administration released the tally of Covid-19 infections in New Jersey public schools, indicating that nearly 23,000 persons have been infected since September. The data indicate 18,747 students and 4,095 staff with 132 students and 43 staff tested positive just within the past week.
Infections are higher in those counties with lower vaccination rates. Out of nearly 2500 schools, “only” 17 schools had to close due to rampant Covid infections. Granted the number is small, but the schools closed include large high schools. And there are those parents who still want to eliminate mask mandates.
Granted there are children who cannot wear masks for medical reasons. Shouldn’t they be tested on a regular basis to protect school staff, other students, not to mention their own families? This should be a matter of public health, not politics.
Prayer for the Day
As the colder weather of late fall comes upon us,
We know that more of our activities will be indoors, O God;
As we bustle about thinking of the Advent season to come,
We have an undercurrent of fear in our lives, O Lord.
Grant us wisdom in our care for others in our daily lives,
As we continue to work for your kingdom of justice and peace.
In the name of the One who cares for all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Whoever wishes to investigate medicine properly should proceed thus: in the first place to consider the seasons of the year.
Hippocrates, perhaps the first epidemiologist (460-370 BCE)
Covid-19’s trajectory over the next few months depends on three key unknowns: how our immunity holds up, how the virus changes, and how we behave.
Sarah Zhang, medical writer in The Atlantic
Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy
Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you; save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; be gracious to me, for to you I cry all day long.
Gladden your servant, for to you L life up my being.
Psalm 86: 1-4