Optional school mask policies not in line with CDC recommendations

DETROIT – With back to school around the corner, many districts have released their plans for mask policies.

Some Metro Detroit school districts claim to be consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state guidelines, but do not appear to be.

Related: Michigan issues COVID guidelines for next school year, urges universal masking

“While the state makes recommendations and not warrants, the real recommendation is that schools have a universal mask and that means all students, all teachers, all staff wear masks in the school,” he said. said Dr Joneigh Khaldun. “That would actually follow the recommendations of the CDC.”

A d

Khaldun, Michigan’s medical director, said the policies for optional masks do not follow guidelines from the CDC or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

“If everyone in this school isn’t wearing a mask, it doesn’t follow the CDC’s recommendation,” Khaldun said. “If a person has COVID and they’re not wearing a mask – even though it’s really good for the other person to wear a mask – it’s still easier for the virus to spread. “

Data: Michigan vulnerability is ‘high’ as ​​COVID sweeps the US again

Khaldun is also the mother of three school-aged children.

“My children will definitely wear masks when they return to school. We’ve talked about this before, just to keep them safe, so I think it’s the right thing to do, ”Khaldun said. “Of course I am worried because I have a child who is too young to be vaccinated and I think wearing masks is the way we are going to keep our children safe, and learning in person at the same time. ‘school that is so important. “

A d

So if masks are so essential to student safety and open schools, why hasn’t the state mandated them?

“There are so many things that go into government decisions. I know the governor has a tough job, but again we strongly recommend universal masking in our schools, ”Khaldun said. “It’s the right thing to do.”

Following: Coronavirus news