Liked on YouTube: Bus drivers deliver meals to kids during pandemic

Bus drivers deliver meals to kids during pandemic

(20 Mar 2020) FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: apus132710 Like many school districts across the country, Calhoun City Schools recently shuttered its doors in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. But Charlene Strickland still drives her normal route. This week, instead of her usual busload of rambunctious kids, she's toting around 125 hot meals. In Calhoun, Georgia, 60% of students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch. Strickland says it's important that they stay nourished even when classes are canceled. "Our main focus is to see that the children are fed no matter who they are," she says. Many school districts in the U.S. have designated locations from which parents and caregivers can pick up food and supplies. Michele Taylor, superintendent of Calhoun City Schools, says their plan has the added benefit of reaching the many families that don't have access to transportation. Staff and volunteers showed up wearing school colors and blasted upbeat music as they packed buses Thursday morning. Strickland says the camaraderie during this time of uncertainty, anxiety and fear has been wonderful. As Strickland pulls up to each stop, she calls out the number of meals she expects she'll need. And as she leaves, she assures the students she'll be back again tomorrow – same time, same place. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. Find out more about AP Archive: https://ift.tt/1CUvJt1 Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://ift.tt/2mlr9BZ Google+: https://plus.google.com/b/102011028589719587178/+APArchive​ Tumblr: https://aparchives.tumblr.com/​​ Instagram: https://ift.tt/2G5Qog8 You can license this story through AP Archive: https://ift.tt/2WxSYr9
via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WWRi7kzRUs