CONCORD, NH—Statement by Deb Howes, president of AFT-New Hampshire, on the importance of COVID-19 mitigation protocols such as masks and vaccinations as students and educators return to in-school learning:
“AFT-NH educators are thrilled and excited to return to in-school learning and see their students in person. We want all educators and students to come to school healthy and safely, and we want them to stay that way. In accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other highly respected infectious disease organizations, we urge all eligible people to be vaccinated to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and we urge everyone inside school buildings to wear masks. We know the benefits of in-person learning, and these mitigation efforts will help us avoid having a chaotic year like we just had.
“When families and educators work together, we can have safe and healthy learning environments. Teachers want to be in their classrooms with their students, but it requires the simple acts of wearing a mask and getting the vaccine for those 12 years and older.”
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