The pandemic and the loss of normalcy are taking a tremendous toll on students, with the data on mental health being particularly alarming.

In contrast, the risk children face from the pandemic is not extraordinary. COVID-19 can be serious in children in rare cases, and vaccines are available to prevent serious disease. Even in unvaccinated children, though, rates of serious disease from COVID-19 are similar to that of the seasonal flu, and we do not normally take exceptional precautions in schools for the flu for which we do not normally implement school mask mandates, quarantines, or other disruptive policies.

Nordic countries such as Denmark have never masked primary school children.  They have declared an end to all Covid restrictions and a return to normality, despite record infections.  They have always put kids' needs first and foremost.  and we must do the same NOW!