Title: "This thread explains why I support mask mandates in k-3 and have submitted a motion asking my board to expand our current mask mandate to include k-3."

URL: https://twitter.com/JessLStanley/status/1443715341176115200/

Description: Dr. Jessica Stanley on Twitter: "I have received lots of questions about the k-3 mask mandate. This thread explains why I support mask mandates in k-3 and have submitted a motion asking my board to expand our current mask mandate to include k-3. I am happy to provide sources for my claims. 1/ / Delta is more transmissible; Covid rates among children increased 10x last year’s rates. Currently, BC children aged 9-11 have the highest rate of new infections among any age group. <12 are not eligible for the vaccination. 2/ / The CDC reports children’s hospitalization rates have increased 5x since Delta & that unvaccinated children are 10x more likely to be hospitalized. There are a greater number of Covid infections among children due to Delta & unvaccinated children are particularly vulnerable. 3/ / Although children tend to have mild symptoms and low hospitalization rates, the higher infection rates mean that the risk for children now is the greatest it has been in this pandemic. 4/ / Mask mandates in schools reduces Covid transmission and are associated with lower infection rates for students & and their family members. Concerns about emotional impacts of mask wearing among children are unfounded. 5/ / Mask wearing in children does not limit ability to breathe nor their ability to interpret & react to emotions & is not associated with negative psychological effects. Public policy must consider transmissibility & vaccine availability. Children under 12 cannot be vaccinated. 6/ / Despite vaccine ineligibility & dramatic increase in infection rates, children <10 are not required to wear masks in BC schools. In contrast, the CDC & AAP recommend “universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students (age 2 yrs+), & visitors to K-12 schools" 7/ / Mask mandates significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19 in school populations and thus help avoid school shutdowns. 8/ / It is clear that BC school boards have the jurisdiction to supplement the current mask mandate in public schools. The PHO has expressly acknowledged that school boards have this authority. 9/ / Given that Delta is causing dramatic increases in children’s infection rates, that children <12 are not vaccinated, that mask been shown to be effective in reducing Covid transmission, and that there is no evidence that mask wearing causes harm in children, ... 10/ / ...BC school boards should use their PHO approved authority to implement a mask mandate for all students in the K-12 system. 11/"

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Subject:   Stanley, Jessica,  Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools,  Delta Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Henry, Bonnie ,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  American Academy of Pediatrics