Westwood School Committee Will Require Mask Wearing for Fall 2021 Semester

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

On Tuesday, August 17, 2021, after hearing strong opinions from 17 members of the public representing families with children in Westwood Public Schools and medical professionals in the community, the Westwood School Committee members unanimously agreed to continue last year’s mask mandate when school resumes in the district next month.

There were 12 individuals who commented in support of mask-wearing in schools and 4 who argued against mask-wearing. One individual did not comment on mask-wearing, but rather asked the School Committee to consider whether enough families interested in fully remote schooling might justify a return of that program this year.

Of the members of the public providing comment, 6 were doctors or members of the health profession. Every single one of them argued in favor of wearing masks in school.

Two who argued against mask-wearing stated that there is “no evidence” to support the efficacy of mask-wearing in protecting individuals from Covid-19.  They cited what they said was an absence of scientific study on the issue by the federal Centers for Disease Control. Another noted that mask-wearing last year interfered with her child’s ability to communicate in class and that only a relatively small number of children die from Covid-19. Another member of the public noted that children are more likely to die from a car accident or the flu, but there is no mandate to stop driving cars or any such mandate to protect against flu transmission.

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Responding to anti-maskers' statements that masks are bacteria-laden and could cause children to become ill, a number of the doctors stated that this has not been a problem for surgeons or other health professionals and should not be considered a concern.

Proponents of mask-wearing, notably the 6 health professionals, cited a variety of medical and scientific studies that they say support the idea that masks are effective protection against Covid-19 transmission. They referred to epidemiological studies, a study from North Carolina showing low transmission of Covid-19 in schools with mask-wearing, and a study from Mass General Brigham showing that frontline workers have a very low rate of Covid-19 transmission when wearing masks and social distancing. They also cited the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics that “everyone older than age 2 wear masks, regardless of vaccination status” to make schools safe for students, teachers and staff. Dr. Henry D’Angelo, the town doctor, noted that the CDC website now has 15 studies showing the efficacy of mask-wearing.

“There is no debate among infectious disease doctors [and] epidemiologists that masks make a difference,” said Dr. D’Angelo. “I don’t think this is a close call,” he said in giving the School Committee his “strong recommendation” to have a mask mandate. Dr. D’Angelo also noted that a mask mandate need not be permanent but could be easily revisited in the future.

Ms. Megan Flaherty brought up the issue of vulnerable children with health conditions, like her own child, for whom contracting Covid-19 could be “devastating.” She noted that she hoped that those against mask-wearing, who might have healthy children, would understand that wearing masks is a benefit for the greater community. Ms. Flaherty’s concern was echoed by a number of individuals, including members of the School Committee.

School Committee member Ms. Carol Lewis noted that she was “squirming” in her seat listening to comments about a relatively small number of children being harmed by Covid-19. She expressed her opinion that the School Board is entrusted with the responsibility to protect each and every child enrolled in the school district.

“At this point I am in favor of universal masking,” said Ms. Lewis.

The rest of the School Committee – Mr. Charlie Donahue, Mr. Tony Mullin, Ms. Amanda Phillips and Chair Maya Plotkin – all agreed with Ms. Lewis’s conclusion. As a result, last year’s mask- wearing policy continues to be held in place for the start of the school year until further notice.

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