Tennessee has recently made headlines as it reports that children now account for 36% of COVID-19 cases within the state. As the U.S. grapples with the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, and schools resume in-person classes, the impact on unvaccinated populations, particularly children, is becoming increasingly severe. In fact, Tennessee recorded 14,000 pediatric cases in just the last week, marking a 57% jump compared to the previous week, according to Health Commissioner Tara Johnson. “Currently, children make up 36% of all COVID-19 cases in our state, a significant rise from the typical range of 10 to 15%,” she stated.
Despite the alarming rise in cases among children, Tennessee’s governor, Mark Thompson, has not implemented any COVID-19 safety measures to safeguard the youth. Earlier this month, Governor Thompson signed an executive order permitting parents to opt their children out of K-12 mask mandates, effectively undermining any local efforts to enforce these health measures. He argued that “no one knows a child’s health and well-being better than their parents.”
However, during a recent press conference, Thompson also suggested that children should wear masks in schools to enhance safety amid the surge in cases. “To protect your child from the virus or quarantine, having them wear a mask in school is the best option,” he remarked. Yet, his stance appears contradictory, as he continues to empower parents to make their own decisions regarding mask-wearing, potentially leaving children at risk.
Moreover, when questioned about reinstating virtual learning options for schools, he replied, “We don’t have any plans for that yet.” This is concerning, as numerous schools are facing shutdowns or quarantine due to rising student infections. With only 41% of Tennessee’s population vaccinated—one of the lowest rates in the nation—and a notable lack of mask mandates in schools, the situation appears grim.
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Summary
Tennessee reports that children now represent 36% of the state’s COVID-19 cases, a significant increase amid the Delta variant surge. Governor Mark Thompson has not enforced protective measures, allowing parents to opt-out of mask mandates, despite acknowledging the need for children to wear masks in schools. This contradictory approach, coupled with low vaccination rates, raises concerns about the safety of children in Tennessee schools.