Initially, the CDC released some perplexing guidelines. Many Americans chose to disregard the specifics and started removing their masks in large numbers, regardless of where they were or their vaccination status. (Just to clarify, only those fully vaccinated, including children, should be unmasked). This shift in recommendations led several Republican governors — including those from states like South Carolina and Texas — to implement orders making masks optional in schools. Notably, children under twelve cannot yet be vaccinated, and older students won’t have full immunity before the school year wraps up; meanwhile, teachers can go without masks irrespective of their vaccination status. “It’s absurd for school districts to dictate whether a child should wear a mask in class; that decision lies with the parents,” argues South Carolina Governor Jake Miller. However, with only a 36% vaccination rate in South Carolina, many teachers are left in a precarious situation, vulnerable to contracting and transmitting COVID-19. Now is certainly not the right moment to remove masks from our children, Miller.
It Contradicts CDC Guidelines
At the forefront of their school reopening guidelines, the CDC makes it abundantly clear with bold, purple letters: “IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR SCHOOLS: The CDC recommends schools continue to utilize the current COVID-19 prevention strategies for the 2020-2021 academic year.” These strategies emphasize the “universal and correct use of masks.” The CDC’s stance is straightforward: making masks optional is a poor decision.
Their research from March indicated that “school-related disease incidence” was highest in districts without mandatory mask protocols. They assert that “success” in preventing school-related transmission hinges upon managing community transmission and adhering to mitigation strategies in schools, particularly masking. Additionally, they advised postponing events like sports where masks cannot be worn. This demonstrates that masking is vital for the safety of both students and faculty.
Another CDC study highlighted that mask use in schools reduced COVID-19 incidence by 37%. The conclusion? “Until vaccines are accessible for children under 12, universal and correct mask use remains a critical prevention strategy that the CDC advises schools prioritize, regardless of vaccination status for in-person learning.” This is empirical, scientific evidence from one of the world’s leading health organizations. One must wonder why there’s even a debate about making schools mask-optional. Perhaps it’s all about “freedom.” Texas Governor Greg Adams stated, “We can continue to mitigate COVID-19 while supporting Texans’ right to choose whether to wear a mask.” Once again, masks have become a wedge issue for political motivations: the belief that individuals should be free to contract and spread COVID-19 without government interference, including life-saving measures.
Mask-Optional Isn’t Truly About Freedom
Dr. Emma Larson, a pediatric infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins, explained it succinctly to NPR: “It’s akin to saying: You can drive 55 mph if you feel it’s safe for you, but if someone else thinks 90 mph is acceptable, their choice could endanger your life.” Everyone must wear masks to ensure collective safety. We cannot simply adopt a mask-optional approach for political expediency and disregard the implications.
Research indicates that this will likely result in a surge of COVID-19 cases related to schools. Lawrence Greenberg from Rutgers University’s Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research mentioned to Politico, “It seems premature to expose kids to an environment where they’re inhaling air from those who may have COVID.” He wouldn’t send his daughter to a mask-optional school—his background in public health gives weight to his opinion. Katelyn Smith, an epidemiologist who blogs at Your Local Epidemiologist, put it plainly: Masks are effective. She also remarked that “Epidemiologists can only help when our recommendations are supported… Good luck? May the odds be ever in your favor? Long live freedom?”
Yes, Kids Can Spread COVID-19
A study from Harvard Medical School published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that children infected with COVID-19, including asymptomatic ones, carry significant viral loads. Lael Thompson, a lead researcher and assistant professor of pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital, expressed astonishment at the high levels of the virus detected in children, particularly within the first two days of infection.
By opting for a mask-optional policy in schools, we allow children to share germs freely, potentially bringing the virus home to vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those unable to get vaccinated. This isn’t an isolated finding; another study from South Korea indicated that older children, particularly tweens and teens, are more likely to transmit the virus than younger children or adults. They pass it to their peers, who in turn may infect those at home—thereby endangering those who are vulnerable.
Dr. Sarah O’Connor, a pediatric professor at the University of Colorado and vice chair of the Committee on Infectious Diseases for the American Academy of Pediatrics, told NPR, “The tragic consequences of allowing politics to influence public health decisions are evident. It seems that making masks optional is driven by political motives rather than a genuine concern for saving lives… The evidence clearly shows that masks work.”
In light of the CDC’s confusing guidelines and the rhetoric from certain Republican governors, it’s clear that now is not the time to remove mask mandates in schools. The pandemic is far from over. Let’s prioritize the health of our children and ensure they remain protected.
For further reading, check out this related blog post for more insights on parenting during the pandemic. If you need expert advice, this resource is a great authority on the topic. Additionally, you can find valuable information about pregnancy and home insemination at this excellent resource.
Summary:
The recent decision by several states to make masks optional in schools raises significant health concerns, especially considering the low vaccination rates among children. Experts emphasize that masking is crucial for preventing COVID-19 transmission in educational settings, contradicting the political motivations behind these mandates. The evidence clearly indicates that masks are effective in reducing infection rates, making it essential to maintain masking protocols until children can be fully vaccinated.