ORLANDO, Fla. — Friday’s data dump by the Centers for Disease Control, in which they published two studies showing masks were effective at containing the coronavirus in schools, ultimately changed little.
Federal officials, along with most scientists, continue to say masks work. People who are against masks for philosophical reasons dismissed the data. In Florida, school districts cannot enact mandates or follow the agency’s recommendations without running afoul of the governor.
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READ: CDC releases new data to support school masking rules to prevent COVID-19
As schools return to in-person learning, masks are important for reducing the spread of #COVID19 among kids in K–12 settings. To keep kids safe in school, CDC recommends universal indoor masking, COVID-19 vaccination & testing, & physical distancing. More: https://t.co/F4bAyObDp1 pic.twitter.com/wfqOkJkRAj
— CDC (@CDCgov) September 24, 2021
“Florida will completely reject fear in policies in making public health,” Desantis’ new Surgeon General, Joseph Ladapo, a doctor and vocal critic of pandemic-related health measures said earlier this week.
It’s not clear what the agency hoped to accomplish when the findings were published. WFTV emailed the press office asking why leaders chose to stick with recommendations instead of requirements, given the data and their continued cheerleading for mandates.
A response was not received by the end of the day.
READ: New student quarantine policy: How Central Florida school districts are reacting
3 reports published in today’s @CDCMMWR highlight the importance of prevention measures in schools to protect students and staff AND keep schools open. Follow the thread to learn more ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/5ZeHR6Chkq
— CDC (@CDCgov) September 24, 2021
Conservatives have attacked the agency for not offering a road map back to normal, especially once children are able to get vaccinated. Agency officials have said their guidance will change as knowledge about the virus increases and as COVID continues to evolve.
“These studies continue to demonstrate the importance and effectiveness of CDC’s Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools to help districts ensure safer in-person learning and stop the spread of COVID-19,” a press release said.
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