Require Masking in MN K-12 Schools
Require Masking in MN K-12 Schools
Why this petition matters
As we look forward to the 2021-22 school year, our children’s safety as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 Pandemic should be forefront in all our minds. Cases are climbing across the state of Minnesota and the country, and until a vaccine is widely available for all preschool and school age children, masks should be required for all students and staff in Minnesota Public Schools.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes the importance of in-person learning for students. They are also recommending that everyone older than 2 wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. The Center for Disease Control, considering new evidence regarding the Delta variant, is also recommending “universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.” Additionally, a report conducted by the ABC Science Collaborative (through Duke Clinical Research Initiative) found that “proper masking is the most effective mitigation strategy to prevent secondary transmission in schools when COVID-19 is circulating and when vaccination is unavailable, or there is insufficient uptake.”
Masking is effective, especially when done collectively, and will help keep our students and staff safer until the entire student population has the option to be vaccinated. Please join our petition to ensure students and staff will be masked in Minnesota Public Schools for the 2021-22 school year.