Last week, Governor Youngkin and the Virginia Department of Health announced new COVID-19 quarantine guidance for early childhood education. Now, after these changes have begun to be implemented, we have reactions from parents in Virginia, with some saying they agree with the governor’s recommendation.
As previously reported, the updated guidance on quarantine procedures following exposure to COVID-19 in school, child care and camp settings outlines that quarantine is no longer routinely recommended after exposure to COVID-19 infected individuals in child care, K-12 schools, and camp settings. The changes were made, Youngkin says, to try to ease the strain on families whose lives can be disrupted when classrooms and child care facilities shut down for only a few cases.
Youngkin, who ran on a platform of returning choice and freedom back to parents, has largely seen approval from parents in Virginia. In an interview with NBC, some parents say certain mitigation strategies can harm a child’s social and emotional health.
“FROM THE FIRST DAYS OF MY ADMINISTRATION, I HAVE SUPPORTED PARENTS IN MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS FOR THEIR OWN FAMILIES, WHOM THEY LOVE AND KNOW BEST,” SAID GOVERNOR GLENN YOUNGKIN.
One father, Ryan Roome, says Youngkin’s new guidance is a relief for some families like his, especially his kids.
“One thing they really complained about was having to wear masks all the time. It was very constricting, and they didn’t feel as healthy because they were just constantly breathing through the mask, and it’s kind of irritating to have to wear them all the time,” Roome said.
Katharine Bullock, a mother of five, says kids shouldn’t have to quarantine if they don’t have symptoms. Bullock says isolation has been a problem for her children in the past.
“They felt extremely lonely, so I think it can cause kids to feel depressed sometimes, to be honest,” Bullock said.
As for local schools, some Chesterfield students started year-round school Monday without COVID restrictions for the first time in more than two years.
“Our efforts are trying to keep the building clean, secure in that area benefits us a great deal, and that we have protocols in place,” Chesterfield County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mervin Daughtery said.
Another school system, the Henrico County Public Schools, released a statement, saying that it would be following the recommended protocols.
“Henrico County Public Schools remains committed to supporting the health and wellness of our school community. We are grateful for the collective efforts of our students, parents and employees to implement health measures for the benefit of all. School administrators continue to encourage frequent handwashing, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, vaccinations, and staying home when sick. These layered mitigation strategies help reduce the spread of many types of illness in our classrooms and schools.
As health experts study COVID-19 variants and transmission, our partners at the health department and the Virginia Department of Education are giving schools updated guidance on prevention measures. As a result, HCPS will continue to adjust protocols in alignment with recommended best practices as well as laws and regulations related to school health.”
Youngkin’s new guidelines are exactly what parents wanted , and by returning the choice to parents, he is fulfilling the promises he made while he was campaigning to put parents first in their child’s education.