Biden official: COVID mustn’t shut schools.
A recent increase in COVID-19 hospital admissions should not force schools to shut down, says Secretary of Education
In a recent interview, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona expressed his concerns about government overreach and the potential closure of schools due to COVID-19. He emphasized that schools should remain open and that in-person schooling should not be sacrificed for ideology. Secretary Cardona believes that closures harm communities and that it is important to prioritize the well-being of students.
Historic trends show that the current increase in hospitalizations is not as severe as previous increases
While hospitalizations for COVID-19 have increased by 7.7 percent, data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that this rise is still significantly lower than previous increases in 2020, 2021, and 2022. This suggests that the current situation should not warrant the closure of schools.
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Despite the recent closures of some public schools at the start of the 2023–2024 school year, Secretary Cardona maintains that schools should not be closed due to rises in COVID-19 cases. He cited the example of three school districts in Kentucky that canceled in-person classes due to a high absentee rate caused by illness. Similarly, the Runge Independent School District in Texas closed temporarily after several staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
Furthermore, California high schools have had to cancel football games due to COVID-19 cases among players. Esparto High School near Sacramento canceled a game after six players tested positive for the virus, while a high school north of Los Angeles also canceled a game due to multiple COVID-19 cases among its players.
While some schools have reimplemented mask mandates, Secretary Cardona believes that decisions about masks should be made at the local level. He emphasizes that schools should not close down due to rises in COVID-19 cases.
Several hospitals have also reissued masking mandates in response to the increase in respiratory illnesses. For example, the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital announced that all staff members must wear masks in clinical and public areas. Similarly, health care workers in patient settings in several California Bay Area counties are required to wear masks.
The discussion surrounding mask mandates has drawn criticism from top Republican officials, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump. However, Secretary Cardona maintains that decisions about masks should be made locally and that schools should not be closed due to rises in COVID-19 cases.
Despite the failure to pass a bill blocking federal mask mandates, Senator J.D. Vance believes there is still a possibility of passing legislation to address the issue.
What factors does Secretary Cardona believe should be considered when deciding whether to implement mask mandates in schools?
G Back Mask Mandates
Secretary Cardona emphasized that decisions regarding school closures should be based on data and evidence rather than a knee-jerk reaction to rising hospital admissions. He stated, “We have learned from our past experiences that shutting down schools has serious consequences for students, both academically and socially. It is crucial that we prioritize the educational needs of our children and provide them with the necessary support and resources to thrive in these challenging times.” In addition to the lower severity of the current increase in hospitalizations, Secretary Cardona highlighted the effectiveness of mitigation strategies such as mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing. He stressed the importance of implementing these measures consistently and diligently in schools to create a safe learning environment for both students and staff. Secretary Cardona also acknowledged the potential impact of school closures on equity in education. He expressed concerns about the disproportionate effect of closures on disadvantaged students and those who rely on schools for meals, internet access, and social support. He stated, ”Our goal should be to provide equitable access to education for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. School closures can exacerbate existing inequalities and hinder the academic progress of vulnerable students.” Instead of shutting down schools, Secretary Cardona called for a comprehensive approach that combines effective mitigation strategies, increased testing and vaccination efforts, and support for students and educators. He emphasized the need for collaboration between schools, communities, and public health officials to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the education system. While the increase in COVID-19 hospital admissions is undoubtedly concerning, Secretary Cardona’s stance suggests that schools should remain open unless there is concrete evidence that the situation poses an immediate threat to the health and safety of students and staff. The Secretary’s call for data-driven decision-making and prioritizing the well-being and educational needs of students aligns with his commitment to providing equitable access to education for all.
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