NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) – Some Oklahoma mother and father are involved about their children going again to high school in just a few weeks with no masks requirement.
“I am nervous about it,” Jeffrey Bowdell, a Norman father or mother, advised Information 4.
Bowdell advised Information 4 he’s feeling uneasy about sending his two younger daughters again to high school in just a few weeks, as a result of Delta variant and rising COVID case numbers.
“This variant is quite a bit worse with children than the primary one was, so I’m afraid that not requiring masks in faculties goes to harm quite a lot of children,” Bowdell mentioned.
On Friday, Oklahoma’s rolling common of COVID circumstances was 938. The final time it was that prime was again on February 19th when there was 932 circumstances.
“As a state and as a rustic, I simply assume that the minimal to do is to require masks in class,” Bowdell mentioned.
Nonetheless, a brand new state legislation prohibits faculty districts from requiring masks until the governor declares a state of emergency.
Governor Kevin Stitt mentioned on Friday throughout a press convention that he’s not planning on doing that.
“That is about private duty. That is about freedoms. Nothing within the laws prevents mother and father from sending children to high school with masks or vaccinated,” Stitt mentioned.
On Monday, a gaggle of Oklahoma Home Democrats launched statements, urging the Governor Stitt to rethink his determination:
“After talking to management in a few of these districts, it’s changing into clear that they’re following steering from the state well being division, which is regarding for the reason that insurance policies will not be in step with CDC tips. Stillwater is an schooling city, and the shortage of constant and fact-based coverage from state management has left our complete group uncovered and unprepared for this rising COVID wave. Oklahomans, particularly these making choices to maintain kids protected, want higher data from state management, and we want the Governor to declare a state of emergency.”
State Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater
“As soon as once more the Governor is AWOL when management is required. COVID is exploding throughout Oklahoma. Our hospitals are once more diverting emergency sufferers. Oklahoma leads the nation in COVID development however the Governor is just too busy posing for footage and campaigning throughout the state on the taxpayer’s dime to cope with the disaster unfolding earlier than our very eyes. Oklahomans deserve motion to guard lives and the state economic system.”
State Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del Metropolis
“Wants throughout Oklahoma are totally different, and one factor is obvious – we want native management returned and we want it now. Our little ones can’t get the vaccine, and they’re getting sick in bigger numbers with the Delta variant. We should have the ability to take the steps mandatory to guard the lives of those that can’t defend themselves. College begins quickly, and for many, in-person studying is greatest. To stop pointless shifts to digital studying, I urge the Governor to declare a state of emergency in order that our neighborhood faculties, hometown hospitals, and native well being departments could make the choices shortly which might be proper for his or her cities.”
State Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa
“We’re failing in our duty to maintain our youngsters protected, which is essentially the most fundamental duty of presidency. So subsequent 12 months, relatively than quarantine those that have been uncovered, we must revert to digital education once more as a result of our faculty buildings may have develop into hazardous environments.”
State Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa
“It’s regarding. Our college students well being, our faculty workers well being, their working and studying environments are so vital proper now,” Katherine Bishop, President of the Oklahoma Schooling Affiliation, advised Information 4.
That’s why Bowdell mentioned he’ll be sending his children to high school with a masks day by day, and telling their academics they’re required to put on them.
“I believe it’s not about freedoms or decisions or something like else. I believe it is about conserving folks protected and my children, I would like my children to be protected,” Bowdell mentioned.
Continued Coronavirus Protection
