March 2020 … As the coronavirus began to spread in the United States early this year, reporters for several Healthy NewsWorks reporting teams worked on articles and posters about ways people can protect themselves and slow the spread of illness.
Before schools closed in mid-March, two reporting teams conducted interviews via videoconference with two past Philadelphia health commissioners—Dr. Walter Tsou and Dr. James Buehler. Dr. Buehler also serves on the Healthy NewsWorks board of directors.
The student reporters composed insightful questions based on their research about handwashing. They also watched two videos and read about viruses and vaccines to prepare for the interviews.
How handwashing helps
The student health reporters learned that handwashing is one of the best ways to reduce your chances of getting sick or of spreading germs to others. They also learned you can help keep yourself safe by not touching your eyes, nose, and face.
The two videos they watched as part of their research were:
- A Healthy NewsWorks video produced by reporters for the St. Veronica Healthy Hero in 2016, in collaboration with KidsGive, a scholarship program sponsored by students at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.
- A federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention video.
Additional resources
Students and families can stay informed about the coronavirus outbreak and any school-related updates by visiting these web pages:
- Coronavirus Information Hub from the School District of Philadelphia.
- Latest Information on COVID-19 from the Norristown Area School District.
