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Kent County Health Department recommending all students returning to the classroom wear a mask

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The number of COVID-19 cases and positivity rate in Kent County are declining at the moment. Although that’s good news, the county health director admits a return to the classroom is going to be imperfect and difficult.

Depending on the school district, students are returning to the classroom. Doing it safely is critical to keeping those doors open during a pandemic. Reducing classroom sizes, social distancing, hand washing and sanitization are a few of the necessary elements. Also, Personal Protective Equipment for teachers and for students... “Here at the Kent County Health Department, we do recommend that all students who are going to in-class instruction in school should be wearing a facial covering.”

That’s Dr. Adam London, Director of the Kent County Health Department.

“Now we know that kids in K-5 are not required to wear a facial covering. However, it is our recommendation that they should be wearing masks as well.”

Dr. London says some children for medical reasons cannot wear a mask. In those cases, it’s advised they return to school virtually. Also, if there’s a family member with a serious underlying health condition the virtual learning option should be considered.

Dr. London reminds us that there are health conditions preventing mask wearing and kid’s behaviors can make it difficult keeping a mask over their mouths and noses. He’s asking everyone to be patient as we try to protect ourselves and each other. 

Patrick joined WGVU Public Media in December, 2008 after eight years of investigative reporting at Grand Rapids' WOOD-TV8 and three years at WYTV News Channel 33 in Youngstown, Ohio. As News and Public Affairs Director, Patrick manages our daily radio news operation and public interest television programming. An award-winning reporter, Patrick has won multiple Michigan Associated Press Best Reporter/Anchor awards and is a three-time Academy of Television Arts & Sciences EMMY Award winner with 14 nominations.