I've been knee-deep in #COVID19 preparedness + response x 4+ mos now, and have watched the focal point of my efforts shift month-to-month... 1/

Jan: H2H transmission + models of an emerging novel coronavirus across China (then 1st case in TO)
Feb: preparing for patients/parent travelers, tightening up screening travelers while we watched #COVID spread throughout Europe
Mar: Ottawa's 1st case + province's shutdown... 2/

April: #COVID19 took to our LTCs like wildfire
May: focus on LTC outbreak management, but saw consequences of delayed care and need for clinical service recovery
June: I anticipate seeing the consequences of public health strategies among our children... 3/

We have isolated children + teens to protect adults and elderly. Another 10 weeks of physical restrictions while we demand more from the adult workforce increases stress in households + potential for negative mental/physical health consequences in kids and parents.

From studies of pediatric cases + household clusters in other jurisdictions, I am not convinced that kids are #COVID19 vectors. But we just don't know d/t lack of #TestandTrace in peds. Agree with @dreyalcohen +Catherine Birken on this knowledge gap. https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2020/05/25/does-closing-camps-and-schools-protect-our-children.html 5/

As #Ottawa reopens tentatively, keen to hear about strategies to safely reopen child care spaces, including outdoor learning/play, handwashing opportunities, robust testing and tracing approach, and use of indoor space. 6/

Kids need peer interactions + learning irrespective of SES. Education + community sectors need to plan safe strategies ASAP. Families (not govt) decide on tolerable risk a/w isolation (>20 wks by Sept) vs camps/care @DFisman can model help inform? @celliottability #onpoli
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