If you want an example of what September will look like in public schools, just look at MLB today. Even with extensive testing, masks, procedures, isolation, new rules reducing contact, etc., etc., today 8 more Marlins players and 2 coaches have tested positive for COVID-19.
The net result: The games between the Marlins and the Orioles have been cancelled and the upcoming game between the Phillies (who have just finished playing the Marlins) and the Yankees has been cancelled.
What will now happen? How long will the Marlins players be sidelined and how many teams will be willing to play them? How long will teams be suspicious of playing the Phillies? How safe should those players be made?
We know that testing for virus may not be positive for between 5 and 10 days after acquisition of infection, so how long should these 2 teams be sequestered before they are allowed to participate in games against other teams? How much time will be required by their opposing teams before they are willing to play the Phillies or the Marlins?
Will this be an isolated incident or a preview of coming attractions? My bet is on the latter.
And if these types of events begin to occur across the country, what will MLB do for the balance of the season? How will the public react to the spread? What will other sports teams do?
This event is a simple metaphor for what we will see when schools open. Schools have neither the staff, the money, the equipment, the materials or the plans and procedures to deal with their children near as well as MLB, and yet they are being strongly encouraged to reopen.
Who out there believes that the schools will be safer than Citizen’s Bank Park was for the Marlins and the Phillies?