From: Maureen Leisure
Columbus
As a grandmother of children in the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp., I am extremely concerned with the measures that will be taken when the schools reopen.
The children were troopers in the online work at the end of the year and they have managed to stay very busy in safe environments while always wearing a mask.
But it is very frustrating and worrisome that the system has chosen to “encourage masks” for staff and students.
Why has the corporation chosen to go against what all the scientists, doctors, epidemiologists and health officials have laid out for the best prevention of the spread of this virus? The easiest option is to wear a mask. It is so easy and they are available everywhere and they are not expensive.
What is the point of some of the students wearing masks and a great deal of students not wearing them?
Students and staff not wearing masks show little concern for the safety of others.
In order to keep the children safe, masks should be mandatory for everyone. For those with “breathing problems” or other issues with the mask, why not have those people opt for online schooling?
I am hearing so many parents worried about their children’s safety. Why can’t the corporation do more to ensure the safety of the kids?
These children will be returning to homes where both parents work and cannot afford to be off work. What about single parents whose entire income depends on them being able to work? What about elderly relations living with them? Who will make up the income if they are sick, and who will be available for child care?
Are the teachers concerned? If they become infected, few of them will have enough sick time to cover the illness. Is there an army of substitutes waiting in the wings?
So many families have worked very hard to keep everyone safe with quarantining, social distancing, and everyone wearing masks any time they leave home. These are the people that are extremely torn and stressed out to put their children back into an environment where masks are not worn. This seems a bit of a slap to the face of those who are trying hard to keep the virus under control.
According to the Indiana Department of Health, on one day, July 6, there were 314 new cases around the state. Nineteen more deaths in the last week of June.
Is this decision based on scientific and medical information or is it some kind of political pandering?
I hope the corporation reconsiders the suggestion that people wear masks. Make masks mandatory for school and offer e-learning for those who choose not to wear a mask.
It seems like a very simple and effective way to help relieve the concerns and fears of parents and keep everyone safe.
