We, the undersigned, strongly support the continued use of mitigation efforts (masking, testing, & quarantining) in Belleville, IL public schools. We call on the leadership if Belleville Public Schools to continue following the science of mitigation as they seek to safely operate schools for all children, especially those most vulnerable.

Recent scientific evidence (CDC Mask Effectiveness) suggests that even wearing a cloth mask reduces the odds of testing positive for Covid-19 by 56%. Given the recent guidelines to use surgical masks or better, the study suggests that wearing a surgical mask reduces the odds by 66%. By enforcing existing mitigation efforts, you protect all students and staff, particularly the most vulnerable. 

For context:
On February 4, 2022, a Sangamon County Circuit Court judge declared Governor JB Pritzker's "emergency rules for COVID-19 mitigations in schools 'null and void' as she issued the order in a lawsuit" brought by only 700 parents across 145 school districts in the state of Illinois. 

Masking and testing in schools works. Deviating from these practices deviates from the science that has helped keep Belleville Public Schools open.