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It all started with some perplexing new guidelines from the CDC. Many Americans overlooked the details and quickly removed their masks, regardless of where they were or whether they had been vaccinated. (For clarity, only fully vaccinated individuals, including children, should be unmasked). These recommendations led several Republican governors — notably from states like South Carolina and Texas — to issue orders allowing schools to make masks optional. With children under twelve ineligible for vaccination and older students not fully immune by the end of the school year, this decision raises significant concerns. Teachers can also go without masks, regardless of their vaccination status. “It is absurd for school districts to dictate whether parents should mask their children in classrooms; that’s a decision for families to make,” remarks South Carolina Governor Mark Johnson. However, it’s worth noting that South Carolina’s vaccination rate stands at around 36%, leaving many teachers vulnerable to contracting and spreading COVID-19. Now is not the time to remove masks from our children, Johnson.
Going Against CDC Recommendations
Prominently displayed in bold letters, the CDC states, “IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR SCHOOLS: The CDC recommends schools to continue utilizing current COVID-19 prevention strategies for the 2020-2021 school year.” This includes the “universal and correct use of masks.” The message is clear: making masks optional is a risky move. A CDC study published in March found that COVID-19 cases among Florida school students were highest in districts lacking mandatory mask policies. “Success in preventing school-related transmission relies on controlling community spread and adhering to mitigation measures, particularly mask usage,” they concluded. The CDC has also advised postponing activities like sports where masking cannot be enforced. Thus, masking is essential for the safety of students and staff.
Another CDC study revealed that proper mask usage in schools reduced COVID-19 transmission by 37%. The findings suggest that “until vaccines are available for children under twelve, universal and correct mask usage must remain a key prevention strategy for in-person learning.” This is solid, evidence-based guidance from one of the world’s leading health organizations. It begs the question: Why are we discussing making schools mask-optional? Oh right, it’s about freedom. Texas Governor Greg Brown stated, “We can continue to mitigate COVID-19 while respecting Texans’ liberty to decide whether or not to wear a mask.” Once again, masks have become a political tool: the idea that individuals should be able to contract and transmit COVID-19 without government interference is misguided.
Choosing to Go Mask-Optional Isn’t About Freedom
Dr. Sarah Thompson, a pediatric infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins, elaborated to NPR: “It’s akin to saying: You can drive 55 mph if you believe it’s safe for you, but if someone else feels they can safely drive 90 mph, their choice may endanger your life.” Everyone needs to wear masks to ensure safety for all. We cannot simply go mask-optional for political reasons and ignore the potential consequences.
What will happen, based on existing research, is an uptick in school-related COVID-19 cases. Lawrence Johnson from Rutgers University’s Institute for Health remarked to Politico that “it seems premature to declare it safe to have children in environments where they could inhale air from individuals who may have COVID.” He wouldn’t send his daughter to a mask-optional school. As a public health professional, he understands the implications.
Katelyn Reyes, a Ph.D. in epidemiology who runs a blog called Your Local Epidemiologist, succinctly states: Masks are effective. She adds that “epidemiologists can’t assist when our solutions aren’t supported… Good luck? May the odds be in your favor? Long live freedom?” Yes, indeed, kids can spread COVID-19.
Harvard Medical School published a study in The Journal of Pediatrics indicating that COVID-19-infected children, including those who are asymptomatic, carry significant viral loads. Lead author Lael Kim, a pediatric professor at Massachusetts General Hospital, expressed surprise at the high viral levels found in children, particularly during the early stages of infection.
By allowing mask-optional policies in schools, we risk letting children spread germs to one another and then bring the virus home, potentially exposing vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and immunocompromised, to severe COVID-19 infections. This issue is not isolated; a South Korean study showed that older children and teens are more likely to transmit the virus than younger children or adults. They pass it to one another and then return home, possibly infecting those who cannot be vaccinated.
Dr. Emma White, a pediatric professor at the University of Colorado and vice chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Infectious Diseases, shared with NPR, “The negative outcomes when politics interfere with public health decisions have been tragic. Going mask-optional seems politically motivated, undermining life-saving measures.”
Despite confusing guidelines from the CDC and the assertions of certain Republican governors, it is clear that now is not the time to make masks optional. The pandemic is ongoing. It’s time to put aside the freedom rhetoric and ensure our children are protected.
For more insights, check out our other post on home insemination or learn about essential resources at CDC Pregnancy. If you’re interested in home insemination kits, visit Make A Mom.
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Summary
The decision to make masks optional in schools, influenced by political agendas, poses a significant risk to public health. Despite CDC guidelines advocating for the continued use of masks, several states have opted for mask-optional policies, endangering children and communities. Experts emphasize that masks are crucial for preventing COVID-19 transmission, especially among unvaccinated populations.