Michigan pediatricians and members of the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MIAAP) just delivered groundbreaking news and encouragement to Governor Whitmer and lawmakers, that they safely get students back into the classroom for in-person learning this fall.
This is great news, if Whitmer and policymakers are willing to take the experts’ advice. MIAAP has published their recommendations, citing science and data that indicate children are at lower risk of contracting COVID-19 and are less likely to spread the virus to others. According to the Pediatricians, young people without underlying health conditions also rarely become seriously ill from COVID-19.
“Despite the disproportionately small effect of COVID-19 on children, the public health response has had a disproportionately large effect on children’s lives,” MIAAP’s statement read. “School closures have put the mental and social health of children at risk, in addition to affecting their educational trajectories.”
According to the Michigan pediatricians, a return to school is most essential for younger, special needs, and at-risk students, who are most vulnerable to being left behind, but is important for students across the board.
The Pediatricians also encourage Governor Whitmer to avoid one-size-fits-all restrictions on social distancing rules for schools and classrooms, because of their limiting effect on in-classroom learning, the low risk of infection among students, and the low risk of transmission.
We agree with Michigan pediatricians who believe kids deserve open school doors and in-person learning this fall. The science and the data – and the Michigan physicians responsible for our kids’ health and wellbeing – say getting kids back to school is the right thing to do.
GLEP is strongly encouraging Governor Whitmer to listen to Michigan pediatricians, avoid additional restrictions that limit in-person learning, and get our students back to school.
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