As kids head back to school this week, COVID cases are again on the rise, and many parents are concerned about the safety of their children.
Data released last week found positive COVID cases in Iowa have risen 72% over the last two weeks and hospitalizations have increased 85% over the last week. With the rise in the Delta variant, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending “universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status”. The guidelines are based on the latest research that shows a vaccinated person can spread COVID-19 and is less likely to show symptoms.
Instead of working with local schools on prevention measures to stop the spread of COVID, Governor Reynolds and GOP lawmakers banned schools from following the CDC guidelines designed to keep kids safe.
Democratic lawmakers are calling on Governor Reynolds to immediately issue an emergency proclamation and do the following to keep kids safe when they return to school this week:
- Accept $95 million in federal funding to increase testing in schools
- Return to daily reporting of COVID positive cases and hospitalizations
- Allow every school to follow the latest CDC guidelines, including masks and contact tracing
Iowa is one of just eight states that prevents schools from following CDC guidelines in schools.
