Arizona organization urges schools to reinstate masks

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Today, the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AzAAP) made a statement regarding masks and vaccinations.

“As we enter our third year in the COVID-19 pandemic, we have learned a great deal about slowing the spread of this virus," began the AzAAP. "Importantly, we have learned that children can safely attend school in-person when multiple layers of protection are employed – that includes universal masking for all staff and students older than 2 years of age and vaccination for eligible children. With the Arizona Supreme Court’s decision to reverse the governor’s ban on mask requirements, schools are now fully empowered to protect students and preserve in-person learning."

The Arizona Supreme Court recently made a decision to reverse the ban on masking, despite numbers rising through early January.

"As pediatricians entrusted with the health of Arizonan children, we strongly urge schools to implement mask
requirements and we continue to encourage parents to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Contrary to
popular belief, children are not immune to serious illness from this virus;the ongoing Omicron variant wave has
seen an alarming increase in pediatric hospitalizations nationwide. In order to keep children safe, healthy, and
in the classroom, we must employ every tool in our arsenal," said the AzAAP.