Readers respond to last week’s Feedback Friday topic, which was:
Rescind the Mask Mandate in Public Schools?
With the omicron variant-associated cases and covid metrics improving in Maryland, public officials are re-evaluating health and safety guidelines, not the least of which is if public school students need to continue masking. Even Gov. Larry Hogan has urged the State Board of Education to rescind the mask mandate in schools.
What do you about think about rescinding the mask mandate in public schools? Are we ready?
Here’s what you said:
Yes!!! All studies show little to no benefit and great potential developmental harm to continued masking of younger school children!
Joe Stephens, Severna Park
I believe that it should be left up to the students/parents. Some kids may feel ok to continue to wear a mask which may also be due to a health situation. Also, if a student decides to continue wearing one, they should not be teased/bullied for having one on. Society has been hit hard enough with this whole pandemic and no one should be shamed for continuing to wear a mask.
Mary Dodd, Centreville
Rescind the mandate NOW!! Never should have been in place. Science does not support it. Harming our kids!
Stacy Smith, Annapolis
All masks mandates should expire. It has been two years of mandates, it is now up to the people to make a choice for what is best for them.
Andrea Roberson
Absolutely! Unmask our kids!! This is an ENDEMIC and people need to get used to it. Like other coronaviruses, Covid-19 isn't going anywhere, ever.
Kate R, Annapolis
1) There's another new variant on the horizon
2) The vast majority of people who are getting sick and hospitalized are the unvaccinated - including youth.
3) Many parents refuse to vaccinate their children.
RESULT: Suggest we wait at least until April/May.
Gabriela Lemus, Baltimore
Masks in schools should be optional and at the discretion of each family/student/teacher/staff member based on their personal circumstances.
Arian Lucas, Edgewater
Absolutely! remove the masks off of our children. Masking should have always been the parents choice. A family decision not the over reach of the school board. It's a shame masking has lasted so long. Masks are detrimental to learning and social development of our children.
M D, Annapolis
We have come so far in a positive manner to handle this PANDEMIC, let's continue to mask until we are not losing lives. Respect and Take Care of each other.
Jennifer Eklof, Annapolis
It's time to move on!! No more mask mandates, especially in schools!, UNLESS you choose to wear one!! The mask mandate has been exhausted beyond comprehension, and Maryland is way OVERDUE! We need to learn to live with this and bring back some "normal"!
Patricia Cassidy, Edgewater
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