FM #540 - Virtual Person On Street - Brian Brannan - 05/03/21 (audio)

FM #540 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 540 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Brian Brannan. My first “person on the street” interview. Although we did do this via a virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Brian and I get to know each other as we explore his work, Quality Assurance testing for Terrible Posture Games. Yes, this was a fun adventure. You will likely learn a thing or two. I did. Especially on how ‘gamer’ is not a good term to use these days.

The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Brian

Audio file =>  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f8ae6e9c-e605-4f2f-a297-02711863c962

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Brian’s LinkedIn profile =  https://www.linkedin.com/in/xevo1979/ 

3 out of 10 = https://www.terribleposture.com/3-out-of-10/ 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit   Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Brian’s LinkedIn profile photo

MRN Diagnostics offering free EUA approved rapid COVID antigen and PCR testing

MRN Diagnostics is now offering free EUA approved rapid COVID antigen and PCR testing to anyone in our community with any types of respiratory symptoms over the last 7 days.  This includes employees of all businesses, town offices and others in Franklin and the surrounding towns.  This is only for people with current Respiratory Symptoms.

We will interview the individual for basic information about their symptoms and onset (5 min) and then collect 2 swabs for our FDA studies and their free test.  These are simple swabs in the front of the nose and antigen results will be provided within an hour of testing and confirmatory PCR testing within 48 hours. 

This sample collection is Investigational Review Board Approved for safety and patient consent will also be required at the time of collection. To schedule a free test please contact Janet at 508 384-0033 and she will book your reservation.

MRN Diagnostics is a Franklin based company located in at 101 Constitution Blvd. For more info about MRN, you can visit them on the internet at https://mrndx.com/

MRN Diagnostics offering free EUA approved rapid COVID antigen and PCR testing

Franklin Public Schools,: Reopening update regarding in-person learning

March 29, 2021

Dear Franklin Families,

 

We hope you are doing well. We are eagerly looking forward to the dates of April 5 and April 12 when we are planning to return more students to full time in person education.

 

Much of the specific information is being shared through the building administrators. I am writing to share a few important pieces of information that pertain to all schools.

 

Adherence to our Health and Safety Protocols

Although we are following new guidance and using 3-6 feet of distance between students (with 6 feet of distance for our faculty/staff) as our standard and Massachusetts has entered into Phase 4 of reopening and there is much excitement around new possibilities for gatherings, our return to in person school must be done as safely as possible.  Franklin students, families, and residents have done a tremendous job over the past year in keeping the community safe. Keep up the good work!

Many are attributing the safety of schools to the sound health and safety practices put in place earlier in the school year. Now is a good time for us all to recommit to the Health and Safety Protocols.  Families are reminded that our core practices for health and safety include mask wearing, physical distancing, and good hand hygiene.  Research is showing that mask wearing is an incredibly effective safety practice. Here are a few reminders about appropriate mask wearing.

• A mask or face covering is a garment that covers your nose and mouth including dust masks, disposable medical masks, and homemade cloth masks. Masks/face coverings should fit snugly but comfortably over the sides of the face. Face coverings should be consistent with school handbook expectations. Bandanas and many gaiters do not provide adequate protection and are not permitted. Face masks with valves are not permitted.  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

• All students in Franklin Public Schools will be required to wear a mask/face-covering in school and on school buses.

• All adults, including educators and staff, will be required to wear masks/face coverings. Fully vaccinated individuals are required to wear masks.

• Exceptions will be made for those with medical conditions, disability, or other health/safety factors that prohibit them from wearing a mask/face covering. A physician's note is required.

• Schools will develop a schedule for mask breaks that will occur throughout the day. During mask breaks, students will be at least six feet apart and in a well-ventilated space (outside or with the windows open).

• Student masks/face coverings should be provided by the student/family. Schools will have extra masks available for children who need them. Masks/face coverings should be clearly labeled with the student’s names or initials to avoid confusion or swapping.

• Staff will be provided with disposable masks by Franklin Public Schools. Staff will be permitted to wear their own mask/face covering. Cloth face coverings, if used, must be washed daily.

If your child is returning to school in person, please also commit to screening your child for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to sending them to school. Your child should stay home if they are exhibiting ANY of the symptoms of COVID-19:

• Temperature above 100 degrees F

• Respiratory symptoms not attributable to other illnesses (e.g. allergies): Fever above 100 degrees F, chills, or shaking chills

• Cough (not due to other known causes, such as a chronic cough)* Allergy and asthma symptoms are NOT acute respiratory illnesses

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Headache

• Muscle aches or body aches

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Nasal congestion or runny nose (not due to other known causes, such as allergies)

• Being in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or told by a healthcare provider that they may have COVID-19

Overall Pool Testing

We have completed the third week of the District Pool Testing Program.  We have over 60% of staff participation and about 40% student participation. We have had a total of 3691 swabs/580 pools as of Friday, March 26. Our experiences are showing us the value of the program.

 

As background information, with pool testing, lower nasal swabs are collected from participating students and faculty/staff members. Ten swabs are placed in a “pool” and a PCR test is run to see if the Coronavirus is present. Tests are sent to a nearby lab and within 24 hours, we have been receiving results.

 

We recently had our first experiences with positive pools. Last week, two of the 169 pools collected came back positive which meant that one person in each of the two pools (1151 individuals) was COVID-positive. This did not mean that everyone in the positive pools was positive. 

All individuals in the positive pools reported to the Health Office for individual follow-up testing using the BinaxNOW follow-up test which produced results in 15 minutes. The individuals whose test was negative remained in school as normal. There was no further follow-up needed. The individuals who tested positive were sent home to isolate/quarantine, and the contact tracing process was completed.

By finding and isolating a positive case, our schools just became safer for everyone. We encourage more students and faculty/staff to participate in the program. If you have not signed up for the Pool Testing Program and wish to do so we encourage you to go to the Pool Testing section of the FPS Reopening website or contact your child’s building administrator.

 

 

Travel

The Franklin Public Schools, after consulting with our local health department and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is amending its expectations for students and staff related to returning to school after travel. FPS urges students and staff to follow the new Massachusetts Travel Advisory. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-advisory

 

According to this advisory, all visitors and returning residents entering Massachusetts are advised to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. Travelers in the following categories are exempt from this quarantine advisory:

• Travelers who have received a negative COVID-19 result on a test administered not more than 72 hours prior to their arrival in Massachusetts.  Travelers may also test out of the quarantine advisory after arrival in Massachusetts, as long as they quarantine until receiving a negative test result.

• Anyone who is entering Massachusetts for fewer than 24 hours

• Anyone who is returning to Massachusetts after being out of the State for fewer than 24 hours

• Workers who enter Massachusetts to perform critical infrastructure functions (as specified by the Federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) during required commuting to or from work and while at work.

• Travelers who are fully vaccinated (i.e. who have received two doses of either the Moderna of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines OR who have received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, 14 or more days ago) and who do not have symptoms.

International Travel:   January 12, 2021, CDC announced an Order requiring all air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country to get tested no more than 3 days before their flight departs and to present the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight. Air passengers will also be required to confirm that the information they present is true in the form of an attestation. The CDC also advises:

• Get tested 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days after travel.

• Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days.

• If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.​​

• ​If you don’t get tested, it’s safest to stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.​

• Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.

Bus Transportation

If your child needs bus transportation to and from school, families can sign up for transportation through the following link: https://www.franklinps.net/district/transportation.  

Other

If you have questions about District policies/practices about reopening, you can view our Reopening Website https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/home or email our reopening email account:  reopening@franklinps.net  

Building based specifics are best addressed by the school administration. They will continue to communicate with you through their regular avenues such as their newsletters and personal communications with you.

Have a wonderful week!

Sincerely,  

Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools

Reopening update -> https://t.co/sTyjDU1EiU 

Shared from Twitter ->  https://t.co/kdciDBsfMM

Reopening update regarding in-person learning

FM #460 - School Committee Meeting (P3 of 3): Pool testing to meeting close (audio)

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Feb 9, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a virtual format: all of the School Committee members, Central Office personnel, along with the public were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just over two hour and twenty minute meeting into three logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the Annie Sullivan presentation (approx. 41 minutes)
• Second - Discussion - Action items covering the Davis Thayer closing discussion and vote (approx. 43 mins)
• *** Third ***  from Discussion Only items (pool testing) through to the end of the public meeting (approx. 59 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet nor is the pool testing outline)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Feb 9, 2021

Audio file = https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/f99f9ae6-ea6d-44c8-a3d1-d3b34de0779e/fm-460-schoolcomm-mtg-20210209-p3of3.mp3

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Agenda doc
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/franklin-ma-school-committee-meeting.html

Meeting packet folder 
https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-9-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/school-committee-votes-to-close-davis.html

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #460 - School Committee Meeting (P3 of 3): Pool testing to meeting close (audio)

FM #447 School Committee Mtg - P2 of 2 - 01/26/21 (audio)

FM #447 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 447 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 26, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just over two hour meeting into two logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the Horace Mann Middle School update (approx 1 hour)
• ** Second ** - picks up from the FHS Program of Studies update through to the end of the public meeting as they entered Executive Session (not to return to public meeting) (approx 67 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet updated)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Jan 26, 2021. Audio = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HB7whP2S

 

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Quick Recap:

• Update from Horace Mann Middle School on what they are doing and how they are doing in these pandemic days. Exciting to see.
• Update from Franklin High School on program of studies, some changes to class offerings to better follow "Portrait of a Graduate" and meet needs of students.
• Reopening status update, challenges remain with staffing and keeping schools hybrid. Case counts are rising, still working on K-1 improvements but less likely to get them in school with current situation (case counts) and previously expressed concerns.
• Pool testing reviewed, formal application has not yet been made
• School calendar approved for first look at 2021-2022 school year. Additional info and dates (half days/professional development) to be updated in second pass TBD.

 
Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one folder
https://photos.app.goo.gl/78XYK77JhzZUWNxX7
 
Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_1-26-2021.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/school-committee-meeting-recap-jan-26.html

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 
 

FM #447 School Committee Mtg - P2 of 2 - 01/26/21 (audio)

Franklin Public Schools: COVID-19 Pool Testing Information

As noted earlier this week, Franklin Public Schools is exploring the pool testing pilot with DESE. If you missed the info sessions this past week, it was recorded and available (link below).

Message on pool testing

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/january_12_reopening_update_to_families_and_faculty_pool_testing_1.pdf

Video replay link (via Zoom recording)

https://zoom.us/rec/play/XT7WS2CV0FWR4MZIMi2YYW_Svu4pIRwoZ7uA4fui0p96XrlZHUAPQNhZqJ5AD_HQJC3Vf3l8mvvtPfxw.kMJvFhmDJ5Qu3bcf?continueMode=true&_x_zm_rtaid=uZEPtpLqTzSuZ_Ooz5zxCw.1610833622566.46d0f8f2e2c0a3e21c7599bd645019c1&_x_zm_rhtaid=21

 

The survey link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsEKUaMlQcdw5Uze-KNVMtC6z83GIDZaLnzuW7TnlMoixoEw/viewform

 

The document shared in the presentation:

 

Some of this was shared from Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/121835879824/permalink/10158327680609825/   

 

Some from the FPS Reopening Plan page  https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/home?authuser=0

Original FM posting of the pool testing info (incomplete at the time)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/franklin-public-schools-jan-12-2021-re.html

Franklin Public Schools: COVID-19 Pool Testing Information

Washington Post: "Three reasons a negative coronavirus test doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not infected"

"Three reasons a negative coronavirus test doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not infected"

 

"Rampant community transmission of the coronavirus and a crippled vaccine rollout have boxed people into a corner: Many are relying on negative test results, inherently limited in usefulness, as a certificate of clearance to see family and friends.

While testing is critical to containing the outbreak, a negative test result is not a free pass to forgo social distancing, mask-wearing and other mitigation measures. Here are a few reminders about what a negative coronavirus test means and doesn’t mean."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/01/13/false-negative-covid-test/

Town of Franklin's COVID-19 Information Portal

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/coronavirus-information-portal

 

 

Franklin Public Schools: Jan 12, 2021 Re-opening Update on Pool Testing

January 12, 2021

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff,

 

On Friday, Governor Baker and Commissioner Riley announced a new testing pilot for K-12 public schools that screens asymptomatic individuals for the Coronavirus that causes COVID-19. This relatively new testing format is an effective, lower-cost solution to individual tests. It is intended to provide an additional layer of prevention within the school and community. This testing pilot is offered at no cost to districts for the first six weeks, after which districts can use federal stimulus funding (or other resources) to continue the testing program.

 

I will be speaking further about the testing opportunity at the School Committee meeting this evening. The effectiveness of the program is dependent on two things:

1.    A relatively low rate of COVID-19 within the community and

2.    A relatively high participation rate of faculty, staff, and students.

 

The Superintendent’s Report at School Committee tonight will form the basis of an educational slide show that will be shared with you to explain more about this “pool testing”. We will send a survey to families and to faculty/staff to gauge interest in participation. Formal consent forms are part of the testing program and would be completed later on.

 

I will send the slide show and survey tomorrow. To assist you in completing the survey, the district will hold a webinar on pool testing for families on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 7:00 PM. A Q and A session for Faculty/Staff will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 3:00 PM. Links will be shared when the survey is sent out. In the meantime, please read the additional information at the end of this document.

 

We are enthusiastic that testing, along with the rollout of vaccines, will provide two important tools that assist us with having instruction in our school buildings. These should offer additional reassurance that COVID-19 is being contained in our school community to both faculty and families alike.

 

Sincerely, 

 

Sara Ahern

Superintendent of Schools 

 

Read the full memo, pages 2-3 contain additional info on the pool testing process 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s3EKa7HViWSOtO9J-SFwVGiK-_K91a46/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Public Schools: Jan 12, 2021 Re-opening Update on Pool Testing

CommonWealth Magazine: some school districts rollback opening in person; new testing plan announced

"Amid rising cases, districts roll back reopening plans"

"DOZENS OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS shifted to remote learning for at least two weeks after the holidays in an effort to keep the virus out of schools in the event students and parents traveled or engaged in large-person events during the break.

Brockton, which has an 11.85 percent community positive test rate, is delaying its return to in-person learning for almost 400 high needs students, which was set for mid-January, by at least two weeks. Pre-K and kindergarten students, which have been remote, would return February 8.

Continue reading the article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/amid-rising-cases-districts-roll-back-reopening-plans/

"A shopping bag that held the key to safe school opening"

"A LITTLE BEFORE 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Liz Ruark started out from the small Worcester County town of Harvard on the 30-mile drive to Kendall Square in Cambridge. Nestled on the floor of the backseat of her Subaru Forester was a Home Goods tote bag whose contents were key to the community’s goal of keeping its schools open while also holding the COVID-19 pandemic at bay.

Ruark, a parent of two Harvard public school students, has helped spearhead a five-month effort that culminated in this week’s launch of free weekly coronavirus surveillance testing of all students, teachers, and staff in the rural district. The cargo she was rushing to a Cambridge lab held specimens from the 713 people who showed up throughout the day to have nasal swabs taken at four outdoor testing stations set up outside the town’s combined middle-high school building."

Continue reading the article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/state-launching-weekly-school-covid-testing-initiative/

Gov Baker's press conference on Thursday, Jan 7 announcing the new testing plan

https://youtu.be/rHWX0Ml53-M

The press release with details on the new testing plans for schools (and limited funding for this)

https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-pooled-testing-initiative-for-massachusetts-schools

New MA interactive dashboard for COVID-19 reporting  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting

Town of Franklin (MA) COVID-19 status per new MA dashboard

MA hospital capacity per MA COVID-19 dashboard

"the crucial part of this is we have to have the data for diagnostic purposes"

 From CommonWealth Magazine:

"THIS YEAR’S MCAS exams will be conducted this spring but will feature “significantly” reduced testing time for third through eighth graders and no schools will be newly named underperforming in the upcoming school year, Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeff Riley told superintendents in a memo Tuesday.

“The sudden shift to remote learning last spring, and the continuation of hybrid/remote learning this school year has likely led to significant learning loss for students around the country. The extent of the learning loss in the Commonwealth is not yet known,” Riley wrote. “The Department continues to believe the MCAS test is a crucial diagnostic tool to promote student success and educational equity and we remain committed to administering the assessment this spring, while recognizing the need for adjustments and flexibility.”

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/riley-pushes-lower-stakes-mcas-test/

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Monday - Jan 4 - remote learning day

 

"This is a reminder that tomorrow, Mon, Jan 4, 2021 will be a remote learning day for FPS students. We have been following our process for contact tracing upon learning of new cases since Dec 23, however we feel it safest to return to a remote learning day to allow for follow up."

"If your child tested positive for COVID-19 or has been identified as a close contact and you have not already done so, please report this information to FPS by completing this form: https://forms.gle/R2M675UiwyzjTE8P9 Thank you. Happy New Year!"

Shared from Twitter here 
https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1345887722888712197

and here: https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1345887723765248001

 

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Monday - Jan 4 - remote learning day

CommonWealth Magazine: "Baker did not commit to rolling back reopening phases"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin: 

"AS THE SURGE of COVID-19 cases continues statewide, Gov. Charlie Baker announced new measures to expand testing and keep hospital beds open.   

Baker was visibly angry as he discussed the need to increase testing and stem the virus’s spread, saying that the state’s positive test rate “took off like a rocket,” because some people ignored public health recommendations and gathered with others outside of their households indoors and without masks over Thanksgiving.  

“We’ve been saying for months this is one of the primary ways the virus spreads, and we talked a lot about why Thanksgiving was particularly worrisome,” Baker said at a Monday briefing. He said he had a weekend call with mayors, some of whom shared frustration at seeing neighbors hold indoor gatherings without mask wearing.  

“Thanksgiving, the ultimate informal gathering among people who are informal with each other, but who don’t necessarily live with each other here and in many other places, has been exactly the kind of event that people said it would be,” Baker said. He added that he hasn’t shared a meal with his own father since February.  "

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health-care/baker-announces-expanded-testing-limits-on-elective-surgery/

Gov Baker's press conference that lead to the article can be viewed here   https://youtu.be/s04QGn97BG8

"State will roll out rapid testing in 134 school districts"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin: 

"STATE OFFICIALS ARE rolling out a rapid testing program in 134 school districts, where students who show symptoms of COVID-19 will be able to get test results in just 15 minutes.  

Education Commissioner Jeff Riley said testing will help schools “identify infected individuals and close contacts more quickly and stop the spread.”

Riley said while news about potential vaccines is promising, it is unlikely children will get the vaccine this academic year, and steps must be taken to keep as many students in school as possible. “It’s clear the virus will be with us for a while,” Riley said.

The US Department of Health and Human Services announced in late October that it would send 2.07 million Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 antigen tests to Massachusetts. The federal government purchased the first 150 million tests to distribute them to states, which can use them for education, nursing homes, first responders, or other priorities."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health-care/state-will-roll-out-rapid-testing-in-134-school-districts/

 

Gov Baker's  press conference where this was discussed on Wednesday  https://youtu.be/CRlCkeaNNII

 

PFAS from a new angle

From The Guardian, an article of interest for us in Franklin:

"The successful uptake of any vaccine for Covid-19, a crucial step in returning a sense of normalcy after a year ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, could be hindered by widespread contamination from a range of chemicals used in everyday products.

Small amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl (or PFAS) chemicals are commonly found in the bodies of people in the US, as well as several other countries. These man-made chemicals, used in everything from non-stick pans to waterproof clothes to pizza boxes, have been linked to an elevated risk of liver damage, decreased fertility and even cancer.

But scientists warn some of these chemicals can also cause another little-known but potentially significant defect by reducing the effectiveness of certain administered vaccines. This impediment could cast a shadow over efforts to roll out a Covid-19 vaccine to enough people that restrictions on day-to-day life are eased.

“At this stage we don’t know if it will impact a corona vaccination, but it’s a risk,” said Philippe Grandjean, an adjunct professor of environmental health at the Harvard School of Public Health. “We would have to cross our fingers and hope for the best.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/17/chemicals-found-in-everyday-products-could-hinder-covid-19-vaccine

Millis drinking water tested positive for PFAS

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/in-news-millis-drinking-water-source.html

In October 2020, a Talk Franklin episode discussed new DEP guidelines for testing PFAS

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/talk-franklin-discussion-on-phishing.html

Earlier in October, the MMA noted the new testing standard required for PFAS

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/ma-sets-pfas-limits-for-drinking-water.html