Fast Facts for July 20, 2021
More confusion for parents who will be sending their kids back to school in just a few weeks.
Do we mask? Or not?
Well, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, pediatricians say – kids belong in the classroom in 2021 and no matter their vaccination status – all school staff and school kids over the age of two should be wearing a mask on campus.
Their reasons – a significant portion of students are not eligible for vaccines…masks work to protect the unvaccinated and reduce transmission…the current lack of a system to monitor vaccine status among students, teachers and staff…. The difficulty of enforcing mask policy for those who are unvaccinated… and of course – pediatricians’ serious concerns over the highly contagious covid19 variants.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, says all eligible students, teachers and staff should get vaccinated and once it’s approved for younger age groups – it may become necessary to require covid19 vaccination for in person learning – just like the other vaccine requirements your kids must follow to go school.
If you remember this video I did, you’ll know – at this point — the CDC has a slightly different view of masks for kids in school. The CDC says masks are not required for students and staff who are fully vaccinated. But did give several guidelines for other preventative measures school districts should take.
So – if you’re a parent – what should you do?
Technically – the CDC guidance leaves room for states, cities and other agencies to make their own judgement on preventative measures in schools based on what’s happening on the ground in that area. So really – it comes down to your individual school district, its rules and your comfort level.
Read the FULL guidance for school aged kids from the American Academy of Pediatrics here.
PLUS
You may need to rethink your trip to the UK.
The US State Department and the CDC have just issued a Level 4 Do Not Travel order saying Americans should *not* go to the United Kingdom.
Why?
A huge spike in covid19 cases in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Just this week, the UK recorded 50,000 new cases in one day. That was the first time that’s happened in six months.
The State Department had placed the UK a Level 3 alert since May.
So what happens if you go anyway?
The UK is still allowing US citizens in but you will face travel restrictions including Covid19 testing requirements and quarantine. When you return to the US from the UK you will also be required to show a recent negative Covid19 test before you’re allowed to board the international flight back home regardless of your vaccination status.
Read the State Department notice here.
