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Poll results

Schools across the state and across the country are now grappling with how to begin classes safely — in some places, as soon as a month from now. In Maine, Gov. Janet Mills on July 17 unveiled new rules, $165 million in funding and a color-coded "traffic signal" to guide educators in the process.

The decision of whether to conduct instruction in person, online or through some hybrid of those approaches is up to the schools. But the choices may impact businesses.

Where and how a student attends school can influence an employee's schedule or need for child care. Job duties can be a second priority when parents are worrying about their children's exposure to COVID-19 in the classroom.

On the other hand, if in-class exposure leads to a statewide spike in coronavirus infection, the impact could be disastrous, and Maine might have to again shut down sectors of its economy.

How concerned are you about the impact of school opening decisions on your business?
Very concerned; we're preparing for how the new school year may affect employees. (29%, 27 VOTES)
Very concerned, even if there's not much we can do about the decisions or their impact. (24%, 22 VOTES)
Slightly concerned — we'll have to wait and see. (24%, 22 VOTES)
Not concerned; this isn't really an issue for our business. (24%, 22 VOTES)
Poll Description

Schools across the state and across the country are now grappling with how to begin classes safely — in some places, as soon as a month from now. In Maine, Gov. Janet Mills on July 17 unveiled new rules, $165 million in funding and a color-coded "traffic signal" to guide educators in the process.

The decision of whether to conduct instruction in person, online or through some hybrid of those approaches is up to the schools. But the choices may impact businesses.

Where and how a student attends school can influence an employee's schedule or need for child care. Job duties can be a second priority when parents are worrying about their children's exposure to COVID-19 in the classroom.

On the other hand, if in-class exposure leads to a statewide spike in coronavirus infection, the impact could be disastrous, and Maine might have to again shut down sectors of its economy.

  • 93 Votes
  • 2 Comments
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2 Comments

  • July 22, 2020

    Other than the usual issue of another delayed opening keeps people fearful of doing tasks and business that would have been normal last summer, it should not affect directly.

  • July 22, 2020

    Our business has been fortunate so far, but by having the children back in school and increasing their exposure risk, it, in turn, increases the exposure risk of their parents/my team. Everyone at our workplace has been cautious, but when the kids go back to school, the spread will increase. Our policy is that any employee possibly exposed must either self-quarantine or get tested. As of last week, it took 3 days to get an appointment for testing and 7 days for the results, so the state needs to help in getting faster test results for workers.