Thread by @ASlavitt

NEW: The CDC issues guidance on masking in K-12 schools for the Fall.

Vaccinated children do not need to wear masks; unvaccinated kids should per the guidance.

I know this raises questions & is a hot topic so I will hit a few points. 1/

It helps to begin with what CDC guidance is and what it isn’t. It provides the best recommendation based on the science but allows states, schools & individuals in some cases to weigh other factors. 2/

For example, CDC doesn’t set out to address the question of how to tell who’s vaccinated & who isn’t. Or other factors like school ventilation & desk configuration— all of which the speak about as “layers” of protection. 3/

The confusing part for parents and students: We will see school districts and states based on their own local conditions, their own judgments; and yes, sadly politics, make different decisions.

For example… 4/

California will require masks for all students.

Texas will require masks for no students.

5/

In the case of Texas, they are going to flout CDC guidance. So parents and students will need to make their own determinations of whether they should wear masks or not.

Not ideal. 6/

So a parent/student in CA may feel burdened to where a mask when the CDC says they don’t have to.

A parent in TX may feel exposed if their student is unmasked & burdened asking their student to wear a mask when others aren’t.
7/

On the other hand, the good news is that all 3– the CDC, TX, and CA all believe it is safe to bring students back for in person learning.

There are going to be local factors which are relevant, but parents will need to adjust to their own comfort level. 8/