COVID school closures did lasting damage, new book finds
Share this @internewscast.com


() Five years after COVID-19 shut down schools nationwide, a new book argues the extended closures caused unnecessary harm to American students and were driven more by politics than science.

In an interview on ‘s “Vargas Reports,” author David Zweig discussed his book “An Abundance of Caution,” which examines the lasting impact of school closures during the pandemic.

“Closing schools did not help anyone. It only harmed kids,” Zweig said Monday. “The evidence was clear before the pandemic; lots of academic literature explained why this would be the case.”

Zweig highlighted that 22 European countries reopened schools in April and May 2020, months before most American schools resumed in-person learning. He said this evidence was “ignored or dismissed by our public health authorities and largely by the legacy media.”

The author cited an example of what he calls politically-motivated decision-making: when the American Academy of Pediatrics reversed its guidance supporting school reopenings shortly after then-President Donald Trump posted on social media advocating for schools to reopen.

“There was nothing that changed epidemiologically in that span of time for them to change the rules,” Zweig said. “It happened immediately after Trump’s tweet.”

The book details various harms to children beyond academic setbacks, including increased child abuse cases that went unreported due to children being isolated from teachers who often identify and report abuse. 

Zweig also discussed the impacts on extracurricular activities that provide crucial opportunities for disadvantaged students.

Zweig said medical professionals privately expressed concerns about school closures to him but feared speaking publicly against CDC guidance.

“I approach this topic apolitically. I’ve written for The New York Times,” Zweig said. “I am not a right-wing ideologue by any stretch.”

Studies now show American students suffered significant academic and emotional setbacks during the extended school closures compared to countries that reopened education systems earlier.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Jeffries Calls for Public Release of All Jeffrey Epstein Documents

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Monday the Trump administration should…

Survey Shows Florida’s Gas Prices Hit Lowest Point in Two Months

ORLANDO, Fla. – According to a recent release, Florida’s average gasoline price…

Storm Team 3: Expect Heat, Humidity & Storms to Persist This Week

SAVANNAH, Ga. () – Our Monday follows a familiar trend, with heat…

Wildfire Destroys Historic Lodge at Grand Canyon: Officials Report

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) A historic lodge on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim…

Violent Felon Detained During Immigration Raid at California Cannabis Farm

() Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed more than 300 immigrants in…

As Pitchers Focus on Speed, Curveballs Are Fading from Major League Baseball

ATLANTA — In recent years, the emphasis on pitch speed over variance…

Renowned Colorado Poet Laureate Andrea Gibson Passes Away at Age 49

DENVER (KDVR) — Celebrated poet, author and Colorado Poet Laureate Andrea Gibson…

British Aristocrat and Partner Found Guilty of Killing Their Newborn

LONDON – A British aristocrat who went on the run with her…

Discover the Exquisite Flavor of Artisan Coffee: Premium Taste with Organic Origins

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (BLOOM) — For those who cherish their morning coffee…

Family Reports Tragic Incident Involving Man and Two Water Buffalo in Oklahoma

JONES, Okla. (KFOR) – The family of Brad McMichael confirmed he died…

Chatham County Health Department to Provide Complimentary Mammograms

CHATHAM COUNTY, GA. () — The Chatham County Health Department (CCHD) is…

Hampton County Sheriff emphasizes gun safety after 6-year-old boy hospitalized from shooting.

HAMPTON COUNTY, S.C. () — A 6-year-old boy is still in the…