It is time to end the mandatory outdoor masking policy of our children at Saint Anthony’s School and instead allow parents and children the freedom to decide whether or not they will mask outdoors.

On March 8, Hawaii Department of Education released a statement updating their policy regarding children no longer being required to wear a mask outdoors. Saint Anthony previously stated that their policy was based on guidance from the CDC and keeping in line with the state of Hawaii. Therefore, the decision to end the mandatory outdoor masking policy is up to Principal Olsen. 

Children are, as a population, least likely to get or transmit COVID-19.

This outdoor masking policy goes against current research and data that indicate harm over protection, as well as National and global trends.

Outdoor transmission of COVID-19 is exceedingly rare with some epidemiologists estimating the rate to be between 0.1 and 1% of all cases. 

The CDC acknowledges that cloth masks provide the least protection against the spread of COVID-19. 

Hawaii is the last state in the U.S. with mask mandates in effect. 

We, the Parents of Saint Anthony’s children, appeal to your sense of reason and your moral obligation to do what is in the best interest of our children and remove the outdoor mask mandate for ALL outdoor activities.