The debate rages on, children getting back to school, some starting as soon as next week, and we still aren’t sure how we are going to manage the mask issue! Some districts are mandating masks for children on buses and inside the school property and are also maintaining a 3-6 feet social distancing rule. Other districts are allowing the parents to make the decision on whether to mask or not.

We did get a little comfortable earlier this summer with positivity rates declining feeling like life was finally getting back to “normal” and that children could be children again, ah, the perfect outcome, right? Well, it appears that we aren’t quite there, the Delta variant has thrown a monkey wrench into this debate and the experts aren’t even sure what to do next. Are they predicting a doom and gloom school year? Absolutely not, in fact many school districts have open sports this year (no masks required) but the debate remains!

I guess as a parent I can relate and can feel the day-to-day stress everyone is feeling regarding this issue. As a grandparent, I am always in favor of a conservative approach in regards to my grandchildren’s health. So, the question is, how much risk are you willing to take, political views aside? It is definitely an individual, parental decision and I don’t envy those of you struggling with it. Bottom line, there are no guarantees no matter what a parent does. We do the best we can with what we have and hope for the best! Make wise decisions, go with your gut and the information available at the time, relax and remember, if anyone knew the “right answer” they would share it!

For more information visit the ABC Science Collaborative is a program that pairs scientists and physicians with school and community leaders to help understand the most current and relevant information about COVID-19. The program helps school leaders make informed decisions about returning to school using data from their own communities. The ultimate goal of the program is to keep teachers, children, and their local communities healthy and safe.

You can also find Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools from the CDC on their website.

Stay well, stay informed and stay tuned!