As schools prepare to reopen in the coming weeks, many parents are understandably anxious about the safety of their children amid the ongoing pandemic. With the Delta variant contributing to a spike in COVID-19 cases, particularly among unvaccinated individuals, including children, the situation is increasingly concerning. Alarmingly, more kids are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 than at any previous point during the pandemic.
The prospect of sending our children back to school during such uncertain times is daunting, especially as many districts appear to be easing pandemic safety measures like mask mandates and social distancing protocols. A “mask optional” policy may seem like a compromise, but it contradicts both CDC and AAP recommendations, which advocate for universal masking in schools — regardless of vaccination status.
Some school districts, such as those in Florida, have taken it further by prohibiting any mask mandates. Despite the alarming rise in COVID cases in the state, Governor Ron DeSantis has threatened funding cuts to districts that implement mask requirements. However, there is a glimmer of hope. Even in Florida, some school districts are prioritizing public health by enforcing mask mandates, as are districts in Texas and Arizona, despite similar restrictions.
This highlights the importance of voicing our concerns. If your district has not established a mask requirement or has rolled back other safety measures, you may feel powerless. However, you have a voice, and it’s essential to use it.
Take Action: Make Your Voice Heard!
If your district lacks a mask requirement or has removed other critical COVID safety measures, you might feel lost as you want your child to attend school safely. One effective way to express your concerns is by emailing your school district to advocate for adherence to CDC and AAP guidelines. You could also initiate a petition through platforms like Change.org to urge your district to revisit their policies.
Not everyone knows how to articulate their concerns effectively, so we’ve provided some sample letters for you to adapt to your needs.
Sample Letter 1: From a Concerned Healthcare Provider
I recently connected with a parent from Long Island, NY, who is also a physician, and she shared a petition text that can be freely used and modified. Here’s a revised version:
I urge [insert school district name] to mandate universal indoor masking for students this upcoming year, in line with the latest CDC and AAP recommendations. Given the prevalence of the highly contagious Delta variant, implementing outdoor masking in schools would also be wise.
Until all school-aged children can receive COVID-19 vaccinations, we must continue to safeguard their health. Even vaccinated individuals can contract and transmit COVID-19. While the risk of severe illness remains lower in children, many have experienced long-term symptoms from the virus.
Additionally, a remote learning option should remain available until children under 12 can be vaccinated. We are hopeful that vaccination will soon be accessible for all children, but until that time, masking remains essential.
Sample Letter 2: From a Concerned Parent
I have drafted several letters and petitions to my school district advocating for the continuation of COVID safety protocols. Here’s an edited version of a letter I sent that you can use:
I would like to express my support for maintaining the mask requirement in our schools. I understand that you will receive numerous emails regarding this matter, particularly from those passionately advocating for unmasking children.
With the highly contagious Delta variant circulating, lifting mask mandates in indoor settings could lead to significant health risks. One infected child could potentially spread the virus to an entire class, especially in elementary schools where many children remain unvaccinated.
This is why both the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend masking for unvaccinated children in schools during this phase of the pandemic.
While it is true that children are generally at lower risk for severe COVID-19, data from the CDC shows that among adolescents hospitalized with COVID-19 last spring, a third required ICU admission, and 5% needed ventilation. The increase in hospitalizations among children due to the Delta variant is alarming, with over 400 pediatric deaths reported to date.
Last school year demonstrated that students could attend school safely even amid a global pandemic, largely due to the effectiveness of masks. This safety measure must not be compromised as we move forward.
Equip Yourself with Knowledge
As you communicate with your district, ensure your viewpoints are evidence-based and scientifically supported. Combine your personal passion for the issue with factual information. The sample letters provided include references to studies and articles that reinforce each point. It’s crucial to include links from the CDC and AAP, which highlight the necessity of universal mask usage in schools this year. For further reading, see this resource on in vitro fertilisation, which also provides helpful insights on home insemination.
You’re not alone in your concerns. Many parents are rightfully anxious about how schools will keep children safe this year. If your district is relaxing COVID safety protocols, you have every right to voice your frustrations and demand necessary changes. After all, every child deserves a safe and secure educational environment. So, take action, write those letters, rally support for petitions, and stand united with fellow concerned parents.
Summary
As schools reopen, parents are anxious about the safety of their children in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Delta variant. Many districts are easing safety measures contrary to CDC and AAP guidelines. Parents are encouraged to voice their concerns through letters and petitions advocating for universal masking and safety protocols. By equipping themselves with information, parents can effectively communicate their needs to school districts.
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