PEORIA, Ill. – Health departments and hospitals within the Tri-County area have outlined their recommended COVID-19 prevention strategies ahead of the 2021-22 school year.
The local health department officials are recommending school districts require masks be worn indoors by all individuals (age 2 and older) who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The health officials, along with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), are recommending masking and physical distancing.
Health officials say currently individuals under the age of 12 are not eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine and this group of students will not be fully vaccinated when they return to in-person learning this fall. The use of masks by those students will reduce the need to quarantine of students who are close contacts in school, and therefore, health officials say, will keep more students learning in-person.
The recommendation was issued Thursday in a news release issued by the Peoria City/County Health Department, Tazewell County Health Department, Woodford County Health Department, OSF HealthCare, Unity Point Health, Carle Eureka Hospital, Heartland Health Services and the University of Illinois College Medicine in Peoria.
“There is an enormous amount of scientific data that continues to show masking is safe and effective in decreasing transmission of the virus,” said Dr. Michael Cruz, OSF HealthCare COO. “In addition, proper mask wearing does not create difficulty in breathing or other health issues.”
Local health officials say prevention strategies in schools will continue to evolve as virus transmission declines throughout the community to lower levels for sustained periods and when children under age 12 are eligible to be vaccinated.
“We often see the number of deaths for adults, but we know that children can also have health complications, many of which result in long-term effects,” said Dr. Gregg Stoner, CMO of Heartland Health Services and Medical Director for the Peoria City/County Health Department. “That is why it is imperative we follow prevention strategies in our schools. In addition, schools unable to access and track COVID-19 vaccination status should consider expanding the masking requirement to all students and staff to wear masks, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. The ultimate goal is to provide a safe environment in our schools.”
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