Parents and policy makers across the U.S. are again debating whether face coverings should be optional or a mandate when schools reopen. Some states are likely to heed guidance that children wear masks. Others are leaving the decision up to parents.
But parents such as Ryan Zuimmerman, of Lenexa, Kansas, fear that approach will prolong the pandemic.
“I ask you this: If it was your kid who was high risk, what if you had to send that kid you had spent your whole life protecting to school in this environment?”Another public meeting, this one in Broward County, Florida, had to be postponed for a day this week after roughly two dozen mask opponents waged screaming matches with school board members and burned masks outside the building.
But Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the Delaware Division of Public Health, said there is no credible evidence masks are unsafe for children. She said the science is clear that face coverings have prevented the spread of COVID-19 in schools. The Pfizer shot is currently the only U.S. vaccine authorized for children 12 years and up. Moderna expects the Food and Drug Administration to rule soon on its application for children in the same age group.
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