Pediatrics group urges parents to send children to school in masks

The South Carolina Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (SC AAP), with State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell and State Superintendent Molly Spearman, urge parents to send children to school wearing masks to reduce the spread of COVID-19. SC AAP is a network of more than 700 pediatricians of all pediatric specialties across South Carolina. 
 
“As their pediatricians, we know that children need so many things that school offers — education and learning, socialization, mental health services and counseling, activities, nutrition and protective services,” said Dr. Robert Saul, president of the SC APP. “We saw what happened last year during the school lockdown during the height of the pandemic and we do not want to see that happen again. We want our children back in schools. However, if we want our children to stay in school, we must take measures to keep them safe and healthy.”
 
“When it comes to your child’s health, please do not rely on social media. Ask a healthcare expert who knows you and your child — your pediatrician,” said Dr. Debbie Greenhouse, pediatrician and past president of the SC AAP.
 
The SC AAP continues to stress the following CDC and DHEC recommendations: 
 
• Children below vaccination age should be in masks when inside and in proximity with others, including in schools and on buses.  
 
• In a non-household group of both vaccinated and unvaccinated children (and/or adults), everyone should be masked when in close proximity for maximum protection. 
 
• Vaccination for eligible children and adults and masking greatly reduce risks of transmitting the highly contagious Delta 
variant.
 
Children aged 12 and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. To schedule a vaccination appointment online, visit scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-vaccine. 
 
Despite public perception, anyone can be infected with COVID-19. To date, more than 4 million children and adolescents have been infected with the virus in the United States. During the second week of August, over 92,000 children were reported in the US. The risk of death from COVID-19 among children is low.  
 
However, the virus can cause serious disease and long-term adverse health effects. Thousands have been hospitalized and several hundred children have lost their lives. “This is not an ‘old person’s’ disease. We are seeing patients of all ages,” said Dr. Annie Andrews, associate professor and pediatrician.  
 
As a parent of two children with chronic pulmonary disease, Leslie Jackson knows the reality of wearing masks to protect her children all too well. “Medically complex families like ours know firsthand that masks are one of the best defenses for us. This is just part of our lives. But with COVID-19 it’ll take more than just masking ourselves and our children to survive this virus. We need our community to help protect us too.”
 
Dr. Linda Bell, the top epidemiologist in the state, has been at the forefront of the COVID response in South Carolina since the pandemic began. That includes her work at DHEC to increase vaccination rates across the state.
 
Bell said, “We strongly urge everyone, ages 12 and up, to get vaccinated. This prevents illness and death in those vaccinated and reduces spread to protect those who are too young to be vaccinated. We have to do more to bring this pandemic under control, and we have to do it now. The solutions are immediately within our grasp.” 
 
Robert Saul, MD, SC AAP President and Elizabeth Mack, MD, SC AAP Vice-President contributed to this article. The South Carolina Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of more than 700 pediatricians working to establish a safe environment for children. Visit scaap.org.

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