Alpena Public Schools Should Mandate Masks in Schools Until All Children Can Be Vaccinated.

On July 15, 2021, Alpena Public Schools said it will not require students to wear masks in class or on the school bus this fall. As of August 2, 2021, the CDC guidance is:
1. Students benefit from in-person learning, and safely returning to in-person instruction in the fall 2021 is a priority.
2. Vaccination is currently the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Promoting vaccination can help schools safely return to in-person learning as well as extracurricular activities and sports.
3. Masks should be worn indoors by all individuals (age 2 and older) who are not fully vaccinated. Consistent and correct mask use by people who are not fully vaccinated is especially important indoors and in crowded settings, when physical distancing cannot be maintained.

We must protect our children at all costs, particularly as individuals continue to be misinformed and choose not to vaccinate across the country. Alpena Public Schools should follow these guidelines and require all APS staff and children to mask in order to return to school in the fall.