MADISON, Wis.— Wisconsin health officials said COVID-19 case counts are still high and warn that unvaccinated children ages 5 to 11 are still vulnerable.
“To mask or not to mask?”: That’s the question on many parents’ minds as masks become optional in some areas across Wisconsin. It has many parents divided.
“I get so used to wearing a mask,” said Elouise Mulhall.
For Mulhall and other students at Thoreau Elementary, wearing a mask to class has become routine.
Some parents like Megan Duster-Matz, said they hope to keep it that way.
“From a health and well-being of people that can’t do it for themselves— I think from a public health standpoint, we owe it to them,” said Duster-Matz.
Others echoed her sentiments.
“Kids should still be wearing masks in school. We have a 4-year-old at home who still hasn’t been able to get vaccinated yet, so we’re trying to keep her as safe as possible," said Justin Hajny, another Wisconsin parent who supports masking in schools.
“Kids should wear masks and be protected in schools because they’re [at school] such a long time. I don’t mind that we might be not doing it in restaurants and bars and things like that as much, but in schools, some so many young kids still aren’t vaccinated,” Britt Ryan said.
Yet, when it comes to masks and education, not every parent agrees.
“I am not for masks. I feel that it decreases the communication in the classroom and the communication that my children can provide to others,” said Zachary Henek, a Wisconsin parent who would like to see mask mandates in schools lifted.
“If professionals say it’s okay. I am all for it,” said Kevin Means.
Yet for nearly all parents, masks or no masks, their kids are their number one concern as we begin to shift yet again during the pandemic.