Anecdotal story. We don't require our kids to be masked in situations where they can maintain 6 feet of distance at our youth clubhouses. Our counselors who are masked do a great job of maintaining space. Kids are only required to a mask indoors if the 6 feet spacing can't be maintained. We've been open since June 2020, have there been infections? yes. Have their been outbreaks? no. Kids were likely infected outside of our clubhouses where precautions can't be maintained.
Can every school provide 6 feet of spacing, probably not, but many can. Where there is a will there is way to maintain spacing if you consider all the indoor and outdoor space available. Furthermore, the clear plastic being used in many schools is a barrier that can redirect the plume, since it's non-permeable likely better than masks. (yes I'm aware of the plastic barrier study) Unfortunately, many adults out of their own selfishness are F it, just make the kids where masks.
If you remember when the masking policy was first recommended it was 6 feet or a mask. Like everything else the goalposts keep moving.
Can every school provide 6 feet of spacing, probably not, but many can. Where there is a will there is way to maintain spacing if you consider all the indoor and outdoor space available. Furthermore, the clear plastic being used in many schools is a barrier that can redirect the plume, since it's non-permeable likely better than masks. (yes I'm aware of the plastic barrier study) Unfortunately, many adults out of their own selfishness are F it, just make the kids where masks.
If you remember when the masking policy was first recommended it was 6 feet or a mask. Like everything else the goalposts keep moving.