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Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Sends Letter to Governor Recommending Masks in Schools

Published August 16, 2021

On August 16, 2021, the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics sent a letter to Governor John Bel Edwards stating that the organization and its members strongly recommend universal masking while indoors in schools. This comes after Governor Edwards issued an indoor mask mandate on August 2, 2021, which is in effect until at least September 1, 2021.

The mandate was put in place after the fourth surge of COVID-19 began causing an increase in cases and hospitalizations for both adults and children. The fact that children under the age of 12 cannot receive the COVID-19 vaccine was also a factor in reinstating the mask mandate.

• In the letter, the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics lists several reasons for supporting universal masking including:
• A significant portion of the student population is not currently eligible for vaccination. 
• Masking provides the best protection of unvaccinated students and teachers from COVID-19 and reduces transmission.
• Many schools lack a system to monitor vaccine status among students, teachers, and staff making policy based on vaccine status impractical.
• Vaccination rates in Louisiana remain low and are inadequate to provide herd immunity at this time.
• As the pandemic continues, there is growing concern that variants could emerge that could cause more severe disease. Masks remain an important mitigation strategy to reduce the likelihood of this occurring.
• The Delta variant is eight times more contagious than the novel COVID-19.  

A representative from the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy also said “As advocates for children, we are concerned about the health and well-being of every child. We know that vaccines, masking, and social distancing are the best ways to protect them from COVID-19. We urge you to continue to support the health of all Louisiana citizens by requiring universal masking indoors for everyone in the school setting until such time as science and medical experts determine it safe to discontinue current policy…”

Regarding the new mandate, Louisiana Governor Edwards said “Pediatricians know first-hand how the Delta variant of COVID-19 is impacting our children unlike any other variant before. No child under age 12 is eligible to receive a vaccine, which is why universal masking is one of the best tools to help protect them, teachers, and support staff as they all head back to school. Our children are among our most vulnerable, and keeping them safe while in school should be a priority for all of us. In-person learning is important for our children, and wearing masks indoors is critical to making certain our schools stay safe and open.”