Call to Action for South Carolina Children
This year, the SC General Assembly has mandated the return to school on a regular, full-time, in-person schedule. Access to virtual school was reduced to 5% of students, with financial penalties assessed for each student enrolled in virtual over the 5% limit. Many schools may not reopen a virtual option leaving parents with limited options for education.
With the return to school this year, there is no mask or vaccination requirement for students, staff, or teachers. The complete vaccination rate for South Carolina is currently at 45%, while an estimate of the Greenville County complete vaccination rate is 48%. It is important to note that our healthcare workers are already over-burdened and over-taxed due to the events since the beginning of March 2020, and the additional burden upon them due to the consequences of the resistance to vaccination as well as masking is dire.
We must demand from our elected officials that they change the dangerous law that was put forth in the budget proviso that bans mask mandates in schools. Masks have been shown to be an effective layer of protection against the spread of COVID, and children under the age of 12 are currently ineligible for vaccinations. We must protect our children who cannot receive vaccinations by requiring the wearing of masks for children, teachers, and staff.
To take action on this as a parent or an advocate for children, please contact your state legislators and Governor McMaster. Find your state elected officials here.
It would also be helpful to ask our local officials to declare a state of emergency to require masks. You can find your local elected officials:
Greenville County: https://www.greenvillecounty.org/Council/ (look for “Find your Representative in the Quick Links section, bottom right).
City of Greenville: https://citygis.greenvillesc.gov/Html5Viewer/index.html?viewer=FindYourElectedOfficials
City of Mauldin: https://cityofmauldin.org/your.../meet-your-city-council/
If you live in another location, Google your city and “find your elected officials” or let me know if you have difficulty finding this information and I will help you.
If you live in another location, Google your city and “find your elected officials” or let me know if you have difficulty finding this information and I will help you.
Here are a few facts from the American Academy of Pediatrics about masks and children: https://www.healthychildren.org/.../Mask-Mythbusters.aspx
Thank you for taking action to promote the health of our children.
