Today I returned to school, in person, as a senior. The situation may already not be ideal, but it’s even worse than I thought. I expected a good portion of students to do the right thing and wear masks. Unfortunately, this was not the case. 

Let’s take a look at the facts. 

• The CDC continues to advise wearing face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Masks work by creating a physical barrier to the spread of virus-containing respiratory droplets.

• Growing evidence supports their effectiveness.

• While many Americans have objected to wearing masks, experts say their concerns are unfounded.

It is evident that children are not as at risk of suffering to the point of fatality as adults; however, children can still get the virus and transmit it to their family members at home before they even know that they have it. This puts their families at great risk. Not to mention the teachers. Over 30% of teachers in the state of Georgia are over the age of 50. This puts them in a place where they must choose their salary over their physical safety and wellbeing. They should not be backed into that corner. 

If that hasn’t convinced you, do it for the seniors. We are grasping at straws to make sure that our senior year doesn’t become a repeat of the class of 2020. If that means wearing a mask so there isn’t another wave, so be it. We want our senior year. 

If schools can dress code girls left and right for wearing jeans with rips in them and spaghetti strap tank tops, they can do the bare minimum in making sure that their students and faculty stay safe. Do better, Bartow County.