As summer break winds down, parents find themselves in a bittersweet position: eager to send their kids back to in-person classes while grappling with the looming threat of the Delta variant. Let’s be honest; we all relish those child-free moments, especially as days stretch endlessly during the summer months, yet we also recognize that many children thrive in a classroom environment compared to virtual learning.
If we’re sending our kids back to school, it’s crucial that all educational institutions implement a mask mandate for everyone — students and staff alike, regardless of vaccination status. To put it plainly: masks should be non-negotiable. Exceptions can be made for valid medical reasons, not the dubious claims often put forth by anti-vaccine advocates.
Although I personally homeschool my children, they participate in extracurricular activities with peers from traditional schools. If those children contract the Delta variant or COVID-19, my kids risk facing another extended period confined at home, which, let’s face it, is far from ideal for anyone involved. Moreover, after investing a significant amount in their kung-fu classes, I’d prefer they attend in person rather than online.
Yes, many people yearn to return to “normal.” However, isn’t it exhausting to keep hearing the same arguments? The pandemic fatigue is palpable, and while we’re all tired of this ongoing saga, I sincerely hope that mask-wearing becomes a part of our culture moving forward. I don’t want your cold, so please stay home if you’re unwell.
The Delta variant is particularly concerning. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended universal masking in schools, especially since children under 12 are not yet eligible for vaccination. The timeline for when vaccines will be available for them remains uncertain, and compliance with guidelines is questionable.
While the CDC’s latest recommendations only suggest masking for unvaccinated individuals, I believe a universal requirement makes far more sense. It would create a clear standard for everyone, eliminating the hassle of daily vaccination checks. And let’s be honest, children are notorious for exploiting differences, making it essential that everyone is held to the same standard.
Currently, the Delta variant accounts for a staggering 83% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. It spreads rapidly and can lead to severe illness, even among vaccinated individuals. The recent data indicates that the Delta variant is more contagious and may evade the immune response, which should alarm us all.
I am not advocating for another year of lockdowns; rather, I believe we can safely conduct in-person classes if masking and other COVID-19 protocols are strictly adhered to. Studies show that schools can remain open without increasing community transmission rates, provided proper measures are in place.
In light of recent outbreaks in schools, like the one in Arkansas that led to significant quarantines, it’s clear that the risk is real. Dr. Sara Bode from the AAP emphasized that many children cannot be vaccinated, making it imperative to utilize every preventive measure available, including universal masking.
Given the current context, requiring masks in schools feels like the only sensible approach. We’re not looking to close schools; rather, we want to ensure that our children can return to a learning environment that prioritizes their safety.
For more insights on this topic, check out this additional blog post.
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