DeSantis Proven Right On Lack of Evidence for Masks On Children

The Centers for Disease and Control Prevention recently published a study, revealing that no scientific rationale exists for forcing schoolchildren to wear masks. Its release simultaneously vindicates Republican Gov. Ron Desantis of Florida, who has always been vocal about his opposition to the policy because of its lack of science-based evidence.

Actions of Gov. DeSantis Proven to Be Backed By Science

Analyzing over 90,000 elementary school students from 169 schools in Georgia, from Nov. 16 to Dec. 11, 2020, the research found out that schools with mask mandates for students did “was not statistically significant” compared to those with optional mask policies. Per the CDC, this may be due to masks having higher effectiveness among adults, who are under a higher risk of being infected by COVID-19. Alternatively, it may also be due to the differences in behavior among kids in schools with optional requirements when it comes to mask-wearing.

Additionally, New York Magazine noted that kids are less likely to experience a severe bout with COVID-19, and if they do get infected, they would more likely be asymptomatic. This then leads to lower contagiousness. These facts, by themselves, may partly account as to why the study in Georgia did not find a significant and clear benefit for mask mandates among kids in schools.

The findings of the agency’s study also provide credence to the actions DeSantis has decided to take. The Florida governor has come under attack by the Biden administration for relying on science in making COVID-19 policies for schoolchildren. After DeSantis signed an executive order in July, which prohibits mask mandates in Florida schools, President Joe Biden announced in a press event that he gave Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to use “all of his oversight authorities and legal actions, if appropriate, against governors who are trying to block and intimidate local school officials and educators” from enforcing mask requirements.

Following this, the education secretary echoed Biden’s sentiments. He said Florida was “needlessly placing students, families, and educators at risk.”

Responding to the scrutiny, the Florida governor slammed the White House for its obsession in using its power as a federal governing body to force children to wear masks.

DeSantis said, “I mean, you’ve got to wonder, where are your priorities that you’re so obsessed with this issue and so obsessed with taking away parents’ rights?”

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