In an endorsement of the Trump administration’s bid to reopen schools next month, 5 out of 5 pediatricians said they would return their own young children without hesitation.
“Yes. Period. Absolutely,” Dr. William Raszka of Vermont told NBC’s Dr. John Torres in a report late Sunday.
The story challenged many critics who have condemned President Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos who have said returning to school is essential, especially after there were so many troubles with virtual learning in the spring when the coronavirus shut schools down.
The doctors said that younger students do not appear to transmit the coronavirus, and only 2% have fallen ill.
WATCH: @DrJohnTorres speaks with 5 pediatricians around the country on safely reopening schools. https://t.co/7fPtll4XPB
— NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) July 13, 2020
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“The five doctors we spoke to agreed: The benefits of being in the classroom far outweigh the risk of disease. But the key is to reopen safely,” said Torres.
He suggested several easy fixes such as social distancing, keeping desks apart, increasing classroom airflow, and putting gym classes outdoors. As for masks, one doctor said they only are useful for high schoolers.
When Torres asked the doctors if they would let their kids return, here’s what they said:
- Dr. Yvonne Mondonado, California: “I would let my kids go back to school.”
- Dr. Shilpa Patel, New Jersey: “I will, my kids are looking forward to it.”
- Dr. William Raszka, Vermont: “Yes. Period. Absolutely.”
- Dr. Jennifer Lighter, New York: “Absolutely, as much as I can. Without hesitation, yes.”
- Dr. Buddy Creech, Tennessee: “I have no concerns about sending my child to school in the fall.”
Author: Paul Bedard
Source: Washington Examiner: ‘Absolutely’ reopen schools: 5 of 5 pediatricians would send their kids back to class
