MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WRN) — The state Department of Public Instruction is recommending that schools require masks and encourage vaccinations to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
State Superintendent Jill Underly says those recommendations could change in the future, but that masking will be the best way to keep kids safe for now.
“Certainly if transmission were to go down, and let’s say vaccinations go up, then yes certainly we could reevaluate,” Underly said. “But right now we’re making this guidance and the strong recommendation based on the information that we have, and the information is pointing to wearing masks.”
Underly says everyone wants kids to have in person education this coming school year, and that masking and vaccines are the best way to keep kids safe in school.
Underly stresses that these are recommendations, but that they’re hoping school boards follow through.
A number of school districts have already said that they will be going in person and maskless for next school year, but Underly points out that many students in these schools aren’t able to get the vaccine because they’re under the age of 12.
“Parents want their schools open, teachers want their schools open, school districts want the face-to-face learning, and to do that masking is the number one way to ensure that you can do that,” said Underly. “Other than making sure people can get the vaccine.”
Underly says that vaccinations in older students and staff members will remain the best way to prevent the spread of the virus. Experts say the newer Delta variant of the virus is more likely to infect young children than original versions of the virus.
