Pediatric experts are saying the damage done by keeping children out of school may outweigh the risks of COVID-19 transmission.
Los Angeles Times reports that a regional organization of pediatricians made the announcement Tuesday. The Southern California chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which according to the report represents about 1,500 doctors. Their statement points to research suggesting that "the risks of COVID-19 transmission among children are lower than for adults, but that keeping children away from in-person instruction for longer will have negative consequences."
The announcement from TheSouthern California chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics pushes back against educators who have cautioned against reopening campuses too soon.
The report continues with more excerpts from the statement from the pediatricians: “Prolonging a meaningful return to in-person education would result in hundreds of thousands of children in Los Angeles County being at risk for worsening academic, developmental and health outcomes. Children rely on schools for multiple needs, including but not limited to education, nutrition, physical activity, socialization, and mental health. Special populations of students receive services for disabilities and other conditions that are virtually impossible to deliver online.”
TheSouthern California chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics however did acknowledge that the county is too big for a single reopening plan. LA Times also adds that the doctors also took issue with some of the L.A. County Office of Education reopening guidance issued last week. The guidance from the county left many decisions up to schools, it recommended measures including face masks for students and teachers, children eating lunch at their desks and greater use of outdoor areas for teaching.
TheSouthern California chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics states “Our concern is that recently issued guidelines for schools re-opening in Los Angeles County are not realistic or even developmentally appropriate for children." Dr. Alice Kuo, president of the pediatrics chapter, said in the statement. “For example, wearing masks throughout the day can hinder language and socio-emotional development, particularly for younger children.”
Los Angeles Times continues by saying that L.A.U.S.D., the school district is considering options but has not made a decision on what campuses or instruction will look like in the nation’s second-largest school district when the new school year begins on Aug. 18.
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