BAM! Student Superheroes Can Clobber COVID-19 In The Classroom

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — COVID-19 may have the power of invisibility, but that’s no match for Missouri’s Student Superheroes. The Missouri Hospital Association (MHA) and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) released a new poster reminding students that they can use their own powers to defend against the virus in their schools and communities.

Faster than a shot of sanitizer on the hand, students can ensure proper distance between themselves and classmates or teachers to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus. In just 20 seconds, students can wash away danger — as recommended by the commissioners of science. And, they can join the pantheon of heroes of the past to don their masks in a fight to keep their communities safe.

“In a crisis, it’s important to help people understand what they can do to help,” said Charlie Shields, President and CEO of Truman Medical Centers, Inc., who serves as Chair of the MHA Board of Trustees and President of the Missouri State Board of Education. “We want to empower students to help fight the spread of COVID-19 by sharing the steps they can take to protect themselves and others. Once students understand these common-sense, evidence-based precautions can protect them, their classmates, their families and their community, they will have found the virus’ weakness and their own superpower.”

Like a villain, COVID-19 preys on the weak and vulnerable. However, no age group or social demographic is immune. At the same time, proximity can increase risk.

“Missouri schools are working hard to develop and implement procedures to protect students and staff as they begin the new academic year,” said Missouri Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven. “We are grateful to MHA for helping us share this important message with Missouri students.”

“When heroes work together, they multiply their powers,” said Herb B. Kuhn, MHA President and CEO. “That’s why we’re partnering with Missouri’s education leaders to provide the ‘Be a Hero and Mask Up!’ posters to primary and middle schools throughout the state.”

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