Wafaa El-Sadr, MD, MPH, MPA, global director of ICAP, was consulted for a Nov 14 article in Gothamist , discussing New York City’s seven-day average test positivity for COVID-19 which has declined to 2.5%, alleviating some of the anxiety over the imminent closure of public schools. Dr. El-Sadr cited the low level of reported infections—less than a quarter of a percent—in the school system and experience from other countries that have reopened classrooms. Dr. El-Sadr says:
“The 3% trigger is an arbitrary threshold. We should focus on other behaviors where we know the virus are transmitted, and try to keep schools open based on known value of in-person schooling for children, particularly young children.”
Read the full article in Gothamist
Read the latest ICAP updates on COVID-19 here
A major global health organization that has been improving public health in countries around the world for over 15 years, ICAP works to transform the health of populations through innovation, science, and global collaboration. Based at Columbia University in New York City, where it is part of the Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP has projects in more than 30 countries, working side-by-side with ministries of health and local partners to confront some of the world’s toughest health challenges. Through meaningful research, tailored technical assistance, effective training and education programs, and rigorous surveillance to measure and evaluate the impact of public health interventions, ICAP aims to realize a global vision of healthy people, empowered communities, and thriving societies. Online at icap.columbia.edu