Dr. Sara Goza, the head of the American Academy of Pediatrics, recently warned that the public health consequences of American schools remaining locked down could be far deadlier than if they were to reopen, as reported by Fox News.
Dr. Goza appeared on “The Daily Briefing with Dana Perino” to explain how important it is that children are “physically present in the school” by the fall of this year, instead of simply taking online classes. She emphasized that schools do not simply teach “reading, writing, and arithmetic,” but also provide important lessons outside of the classroom on such matters as social skills and physical health.
In the end, Dr. Goza warned that if many schools refuse to reopen and simply continue holding online courses, then “it can lead to adolescents becoming depressed and anxious, and even suicidal ideations.”
Although many states had been on the verge of completely reopening just a matter of weeks ago, media-stoked fears of an alleged “second wave” have prompted several states to reverse their reopening plans and lock down multiple aspects of society once again; among these states are Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Michigan. Although the number of reported cases has been rising, the death rate has been plummeting as fewer and fewer fatalities have been reported.