Masks are scientifically proven to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-briefs/masking-science-sars-cov2.html#anchor_1619457332454

Some facts from our local healthcare system, which supports and recommends masking in our schools: 

As of 8/13 at 12:00 pm. 

COVID-19 inpatient cases: 160

COVID-19 patients in ICU: 52

COVID-19 patients on ventilators: 33

Pediatric inpatients with COVID-19: 3

• The number of COVID-19 cases tested at Ballad Health has increased more than 800% since July 4, and the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations has increased by more than 650% since that time.
• 32% of the positive cases that Ballad Health has diagnosed daily throughout the region in the past week are children under the age of 18.
• The percentage of all coronavirus tests performed that are positive is 14.7%. As a reference point, our goal is less than 5%. As recently as last month, our positivity rate was as low as 3.4%.
• The total number of positive COVID-19 cases diagnosed throughout the region on Thursday, August 12 was 615 new cases, which is the highest number of positive cases diagnosed in one day since mid-January 2021.
• Nearly 95% of Ballad Health’s hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are unvaccinated. While vaccinated adults may become infected by the Delta variant, very few need hospitalizations.
• The percentage of people in the Appalachian Highlands that are fully vaccinated is only 38.4%. Statewide in Tennessee is 39% and in Virginia it is 55%.
• In the face of a national nursing shortage, a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases will soon create a crisis worse than anything we’ve previously faced in this pandemic. Cases are spreading so rapidly that hospitalizations could double weekly if additional mitigation efforts are not immediately put into place. 

Masking is the mitigation we need. We must unite to stop the spread for the health of our community. Not requiring masks when the CDC recommends it is a negligent decision. This is about the health of our community and we CAN unite to keep everyone safe. 

To view recommendations, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-guidance.html