As new variants of COVID-19 become more prevalent, it is expected that there will be a rise in cases this fall. Unfortunately, this has led some public health enforcers and teachers’ unions to call for the reinstatement of mitigation measures, including mandatory masking. Researchers are already recommending that people wear masks indoors again when cases increase. Epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina, known for her newsletter “Your Local Epidemiologist,” predicts that COVID-19 will be disruptive in the winter and will result in preventable deaths. She suggests wearing masks in crowded areas and at home to reduce transmission.
Currently, around 100 colleges and universities require students to be vaccinated, and a smaller number of schools, such as Rutgers, Georgetown, and Morris Brown College, have reinstated mask mandates on campus. There is a possibility that grade schools may follow suit. The Biden administration has also appointed long-time school closure advocate Randi Weingarten, the leader of a teachers’ union, to a new school safety advisory council focused on preparedness and security measures in schools.
However, it is important to note that the growing concerns and demands may be unwarranted. The SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19 is continuing to mutate, with the EG.5 and FL.1.5.1 variants being the most common in the US. These variants have a spike protein mutation that may enhance their spread but do not seem to cause more severe illness. Another highly mutated strain called BA.2.86 has been detected in a few cases, but it is unclear if it will lead to more severe illness.
It is also worth mentioning that the majority of individuals have some level of immunity to COVID-19 through vaccination, previous infections, or both. Blood bank data indicates that as of September 2022, about 96% of people aged 16 and older have some form of immunity. Additionally, the revised mandates primarily target low-risk populations, and there is little evidence to support the effectiveness of masking for students and teachers. Countries like Sweden, which did not enforce mask mandates in schools, did not experience an increase in childhood cases, and teachers had no higher risk of severe infection compared to other occupations.
In conclusion, while individuals at increased risk from COVID-19 should exercise caution, widespread mandates may not be necessary. Dr. Joel Zinberg, a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, believes that the time for such mandates is over. As new variants emerge, it is important to rely on scientific evidence, prioritize targeted protection for vulnerable populations, and consider the potential negative impacts of widespread mitigation measures.
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