An Open Letter to Nicole Dupuis CEO WECHU

                I am writing this letter as a concerned citizen in the Windsor-Essex County region. I have recently heard of WECHU’s new recommendation to have JK & SK students, children ages 3-6, comply with mask use in the classroom. I have multiple concerns and I am hoping for a timely, in-depth response to all of my concerns below:

1.       Was a full risk versus benefit analysis done prior to implementing this new recommendation? If yes, can this information be made publicly available?

2.       What is the evidence to support the use of masks for children ages 3-6 in the classroom setting?

3.       I am concerned about basic hygiene and the potential for pathogenic growth on the mask itself. Children this young do not know how to properly wear PPE. My 4 year’s mask is saturated with saliva after no more than 10 minutes of use.  Who will accept liability should these children contract bacterial and/or fungal infections in their nasal-pharynx?

4.       Children are learning the basics of language, and in some cases, a new language. How will this new recommendation impact language acquisition and language development in children of this age group?

5.       Most of all, I am deeply concerned about the potential for negative long-term psychosocial and emotional effects on our children. It is a known fact that neuronal pathways that are not used in the brain are destroyed. How will our children learn emotional regulation and empathy when they are not allowed to see the faces of other children? They are just beginning to develop friendships and are learning and practicing social skills in the classroom. They are also developing their communication skills. It has been quoted that communication is approximately 92% non-verbal. What impact will this have on their psychosocial and emotional development? Has this been considered when making this decision?  Please consider the Pediatric Pain Assessment chart and now imagine those faces were covered up by a mask.  Would this tool still be effective? Probably not.

Your thorough response is much appreciated.

Signed,

Kathryn Corby

Mother of three, concerned citizen in the Windsor-Essex Region