Doctor expresses need for children to mask-up

Dear SpartaLive:

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that all children over the age of 2, and adults, wear masks indoors at school this year, regardless of vaccination status. The US Centers for Disease Control and Tennessee Department of Health are in agreement.

The Upper Cumberland Medical Society surveyed physicians practicing in the Upper Cumberland on their advice about masks being required in our public schools. Of the 72 physicians who have responded to date, 83% recommended that masks be required. Of note, 100% of the responding Upper Cumberland pediatricians advised that children be required to wear masks indoors at school.   

There is universal agreement among physicians that schools need to remain open for healthy child development. To stay open, as was accomplished last year, schools must offer a safe and healthy environment. At this point with the Delta variant, that safety is ensured when those who are eligible, get vaccinated. Additionally, vaccinated or not, everyone should wear a mask when indoors with the unvaccinated, particularly our young children under 12 who are not yet eligible for vaccination. To do less invites school closure as the Covid Delta variant continues to run rampant through the Upper Cumberland population. 

The increase in serious cases of the Delta variant Covid among young adults and children is alarming. This is a marked change in the transmissibility and virulence of Covid since last year. School leadership should be encouraged to adjust school policy to acknowledge current reality. 

James C. Gray MD

Secretary Upper Cumberland Medical Society