In a troubling start to the school year, over 18,000 students in Mississippi tested positive for COVID-19 within just the first month. This alarming rise includes the tragic loss of an eighth-grader to the virus. While the delta variant’s impact appears to be decreasing nationwide, Mississippi’s schools are facing severe challenges as they reopen amid high transmission rates.
The state’s vaccination rates remain low, and there is significant resistance to implementing mask mandates, which has allowed the virus to spread unchecked. As a result, teachers are urgently requesting support after witnessing a staggering number of infections among their students. According to state data, at least 18,825 students were confirmed positive for the virus in the initial month alone, with tens of thousands more forced into quarantine due to potential exposure. As of last week, over 15,000 students were in quarantine across Mississippi.
Despite the dire situation, the state government has been hesitant to adopt measures that could enhance safety in schools, such as mask mandates. Governor Tate Reeves has downplayed the virus’s impact on children, claiming it only causes mild symptoms, despite public health officials confirming that seven children had died from COVID-19 up to that point. Just days after his comments, a tragic death of an eighth-grader from the virus was reported.
Teachers like Linda Carter, who works in Jackson, are urging Reeves to consider a statewide mask mandate, especially given that only 46% of Mississippi residents aged 12 and older have been vaccinated. “There seems to be no discussion about prioritizing the safety of children over economic interests,” Carter expressed. “This is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed.”
Another educator, Mark Thompson, believes that the lack of protective measures stems from political motives rather than genuine concern for student welfare. “It’s clear that political agendas are influencing decisions that should prioritize kids’ health,” he stated. Hannah Brooks, the 2020 Mississippi Teacher of the Year, works in a school with a mask mandate but fears it could be revoked. She hopes the governor will reconsider the scientific evidence and recognize the urgent need for safety measures in schools.
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In summary, Mississippi educators are urgently calling for help as an alarming number of students contract COVID-19 shortly after schools reopened. Despite the rising cases and tragic fatalities, efforts to implement protective measures remain insufficient, leaving teachers and students vulnerable.