I Believe In Science, Support COVID Mitigation, And I Still Want School Masking To End
Or, I Am A Walking Contradiction Of Emotions And Logic
I have always erred on the cautious side in regards to COVID. I believe the science ( and the reality) which showed me this disease was not one to be fucked with, and I heeded calls to stay home, where a mask, keep my distance and to be vaccinated.
During the most recent Omnicron surge, I celebrated my 39th birthday at home with my family, and even now, I tend to limit how much time I spend eating indoors in public spaces.
I am vaccinated. My husband is vaccinated. My kids are vaccinated.
I take this virus very seriously.
Yet, when I received an official school email asking if I would like my kids to continue wearing masks, I replied, “no.”
My answer might seem contradictory to my earlier expressed views on COVID-19 safety. Many may find it reckless, while others may champion my decision.
In the great schism this pandemic has caused, I often find myself floating in the middle, like some cartoon character who is about to plunge back down to Earth.
I am all those things I shared at the beginning of this piece. I am wary of COVID, believe in science, and think we need to take our time “going back to normal.”
I am also the mom of two children, one of whom has grown more anxious since March 2020, and another who has trouble communicating clearly.
I am the mom of two kids, who have endured a lot during these past two years, and have had their childhood rattled.
I supported masking, distancing and remote learning for them, when it was necessary. When there were no vaccines, no treatments, no clue, about what this was.
However, this isn’t 2020, or even 2021. It’s 2022, and we need to look at things with fresh eyes.
When I got that survey, I asked myself, “do I feel my kids will be safe without their masks?”
After some thought, my answer was, yes.
My kids are already at the lowest risk for serious infection, and, as noted, vaccinated on top of that. I have faith that if they get COVID it will be OK.
And, there is no longer the excuse of widespread vulnerability. Those at highest risk are overwhelmingly able to be vaccinated.
Every adult working in school, with rare exception, can be vaccinated.
So can every parent, coach, babysitter and any other grown up that interacts with kids.
I can no longer place the burden on my kids to protect those who won’t protect themselves.
At the same time, I respect and understand other families concerns. I know there are people who even vaccinated are at risk, and, of course, those under 5 still aren’t able to be vaccinated against COVID.
I also understand the district has its own priorities when it comes to safety.
I would be happy if mask requirements were lifted, and I would gladly discuss my views in a calm, thoughtful manner with anyone.
What I won't do is scream at school board members or disrupt children's learning by protesting outside their schools.
Instead, I will wait patiently to see what the powers that be decide.
After all, I am more than used to being in a constant state of uncertainty.