Despite worsening national/global surge of COVID-19 via the more transmissible delta variant, school boards have not mandated masking of the unprotected children in our community. This contradicts current CDC and AAP guidance for the K through 12 population. As physicians of the local community, we are advocating for reinstating the universal school mask mandate for the 2021-2022 school year as it is their most basic protection when they cannot yet otherwise be protected. 

Please sign in an effort to change their minds, keep kids in school and keep them healthy.

Co-sponsored initiation by 15 local physicians. 

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed via signing this position are solely one's own and do not express the views or opinions of any employer.

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Applicable references of many:

IDSA - https://www.idsociety.org/covid-19-real-time-learning-network/infection-prevention/masks-and-face-coverings-for-the-public/

AAP COVID-19 Guidance for Safe Schools (aap.org) - https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/cloth-face-coverings

AAFP - https://familydoctor.org/covid-19-face-masks/

CDC Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-guidance.html

Mayo Clinic Grand Rounds Aug 21 - https://youtu.be/RzyGv81Ffz0

ACP - https://www.acponline.org/acp-newsroom/new-policy-supports-wearing-of-masks-to-reduce-transmission-of-covid-19

AAMC - https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/press-releases/aamc-releases-national-guidance-face-coverings

AMA - https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/6-things-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-masks