On Monday on MSNBC, host Craig Melvin was shocked after the segment from NBC News / MSNBC medical correspondent Dr. John Torres featured pediatricians who said they would send their children back to school in the fall with adequate precautions, such as the use of masks and social distance plans.
Torres interviewed Dr. Yvonne Maldonado in California, Dr. Shilpa A. Patel in New Jersey, Dr. William V. Raszka in Vermont, Dr. Jennifer Lighter in New York and Dr. Buddy Creech in Tennessee. .
Melvin said: “We are hearing a lot from government officials as schools seek to reopen during this pandemic, but it is essential that we also hear from public health experts.” NBC’s Dr. John Torres spoke with a group of them about the crucial factors that patients should consider when deciding whether to send their children back to the classroom. “
Torres said: “As schools struggle to reopen safely, NBC News contacted five of the best pediatricians in the entire country. A random sample of doctors to discover how dangerous the coronavirus is for children. Our experts agree that most children do not get as sick as adults and that serious complications are rare. “
He added: “In fact, children only represent 2% of all cases. Doctors say they don’t expect that number to increase significantly when schools open because children don’t seem to be good at spreading the virus. “
Dr. Lighter said: “The data now coming out seems to show that most transmissions occur from adults to adults or from adults to children.”
Torres said: “While many teachers are concerned about the reopening of the school so soon, the five doctors we spoke with agree that the benefits of being in the classroom far outweigh the risk of illness. But the key is to reopen safely. “
He added: “All agreed guidelines should include rules for social distancing, keep desks 3-6 feet apart, and make sure desks are facing each other. They may want to consider giving gym classes outside. ”
Torres asked, “Would you let your children go back to school?”
Dr. Patel said, “I will. My children look forward to it.”
Dr. Raszka said, “Yes, period.”
Dr. Lighter said, “Absolutely. As much as I can.”
She added: “Without hesitation, yes.”
Dr. Creech said, “I am not concerned about sending my son to school in the fall.”
Dr. Maldonado said: “I would let my children go back to school.”
After the segment ended with a surprised look, Melvin said, “Everyone said yes.”
Follow Pam Key on Twitter @pamkeyNEN
