Masks Work

Studies and data prove that masks work. Enough about your “freedom” to spread a deadly virus. Wear a mask when indoors. It is necessary to protect children who cannot get the vaccine. Children ages 12 and up are eligible to get the Pfizer vaccine, but those younger are not. Several vaccine manufacturers are seeking FDA approval to be used for children.

Our children’s lives are at stake. Although pediatric COVID-19 deaths–those 17 years and younger–remain rare, we can make it nonexistent by getting vaccinated or wearing a mask. Two Aiken County children passed away from complications from COVID-19. Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables said 9-year-old Ethan Blue died on September 1. That same day, 15-year-old Emily Brosnahan succumbed to the virus as well.

So far, less than 20 children have died in South Carolina as a result of Covid-19. However, doctors say the Delta variant of COVID-19 appears to be more contagious in children than previous versions. Kids are getting sick because no mask mandate in schools. Children’s hospitals are at capacity with both childhood COVID-19 patients and those with other respiratory illnesses.

SCDHEC and the CDC have recommended children wear masks in schools to stop the virus’ spread. However, South Carolina school districts cannot mandate such a rule. Last week, a South Carolina Supreme Court decision struck down an attempt by the City of Columbia–and by extension, all other cities and counties–to pass a mask mandate by a local government body.