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The recently published findings on universal masking policies in schools reinforce previously touted messages that they help keep children safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to a DC pediatrician.
The recently published findings on universal masking policies in schools reinforce previously touted messages that they help keep children safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to a DC pediatrician.
“These studies found that school districts without a universal masking policy in place were more likely to have outbreaks of COVID-19. Nationally, counties without masking requirements have seen the number of pediatric COVID-19 cases increase almost twice as fast during that same period, ”the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement on the three reports.
The results confirm that children as young as 3 through adulthood can wear masks safely and successfully, said Dr Nathaniel Beers, president of the HSC Health System and pediatrician at Children’s National Hospital in DC.
Beers is the executive head of children’s school services, who oversees school nursing services in DC public and charter schools.
But some parents remain reluctant to have mask mandates for children at school.
“And so certainly, the communities that have struggled with that, this report helps provide evidence that in fact we are doing our children a huge disservice, and we are increasing the likelihood that they will miss school. cause of COVID-19, ”Beers said.
“We are increasing the likelihood that school or class will close due to COVID-19, when we cannot put aside our personal differences and put the health and safety of children first.”
Noting that the masks are part of a tiered approach to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Beers stressed the need for all eligible people – from children to school staff – to be vaccinated against COVID as well. 19, to help protect the community at large.
He is also worried about the flu. Beers said many communities across the country are starting to see an increase in influenza cases.
“And so we certainly want to encourage families to get the flu shot and that all children get the flu shot as well, to make sure we don’t overload a healthcare system already overburdened with unnecessary cases of COVID-19. or the flu, ”he said.
You can read more about this flu season on the CDC’s website.
More news on the coronavirus
Looking for more information? DC, Maryland, and Virginia each publish more data each day. Visit their official websites here: Virginia | Maryland | CC
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