Thread by @gbosslet

Earlier this summer I was adamant that school would be reasonable without masks, even for the ages for which vaccines are not available.

I have changed my tune. A quick 🧵as to why.

1/

Most data suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 virus affects kids in a generally quite benign way.

I know people get frustrated when COVID is compared to the flu, but for kids the data suggest the comparison is reasonable. And this accounts for "long COVID" and MIS-C.

2/

So when I suggest that masks should be mandatory in school for kids, I am not worried about the health of my unvaccinated 6 and 11 year olds.

I am worried about it causing widespread community transmission and overwhelming hospitals.

Again.

3/

Some have pointed to data that suggests that schools have not led to a lot of COVID transmission.

I published one of those studies (bit.ly/3mIXvC5)

But all of these studies were done at a time of community mitigation, masks, and distancing.

Sans delta.

4/

We have no idea what "full monty" school in an era of a more infectious variant and without much community mitigation measures will do.

And based upon what is going on in Missouri, I would rather not find out.

bit.ly/3xThByp

5/

I acknowledge this virus is very minor for kids, and was adamant masks would not be needed this fall.

But delta and the vaccination plateau in #Indiana has changed that.

So I am happy that @PikeSchools has a very well thought out mask plan.

fin/

Indiana starts early- my kids go back in about 10 days.

It is possible states who have later start dates will have more info to make different decisions.

Indiana doesn't.

nowitsdone/