I am writing to you today to advocate for the closure of all K-12 schools in the state of South Carolina. As you well know the virus known as COVID 19 has reached pandemic proportions and threatens to decimate our healthcare system. As a physician, I am keenly aware of the potential negative effects of not limiting the spread of the virus now.   As data from other nations has shown, only countries with early and aggressive avoidance of public contact have been able to slow the spread of this virus.

President Trump has now declared a national emergency due to COVID 19 and twenty states have taken the aggressive and appropriate step of closing all schools.  In the state of South Carolina higher education has been proactive with schools including the University of South Carolina canceling in person classes.  If we are willing to protect our adult learners why not our children?

As a physician, I am well educated and know that children and teens are less likely to have severe symptoms or die from COVID 19 virus, but children are perfect vectors for spread. One child who contracts the virus at school could spread it to many family members including parents and grandparents who have medical comorbidities that put them at risk for negative outcomes.  We should also consider the thousands of children and teens who attend schools who are already immunocompromised who we are putting at risk as well as teachers and employees.

In closing, as a parent and a physician I urge you to do everything in your power to advocate for the closure of all K-12 schools in South Carolina.