Face mask regulations are being reinstated in public education in Providence, Philadelphia, and Brookline, Massachusetts. They are reacting to an increase in COVID-19 outbreaks and fatalities. According to a tracking system, only 12 of the US’ 500 most prominent public schools need masks (Reilly, 2022, para. 7). Since the start of the epidemic, school mask regulations have been contentious. Schools are attempting to reduce future disruption caused by school cancellations or staff absences by preventing transmission. Some parents feel that the mandate is an overreach by the government, while others argue it is a breach of privacy. According to epidemiologists, schools should not advocate for widespread masking (Reilly, 2022). They believe it would be more helpful to convince more individuals to get immunized against COVID-19.
This news is relevant to the topic of prevalence and incidence rates. As such, it is mentioned in Reilly’s (2022) article that the cases of COVID-19 outbreaks have become more frequent; the author also states the number of citizens who are ill. This general description is an example of the incidence rate. In contrast, the percentage of the deceased in particular cities (and schools) represents the prevalence rate since it highlights the most frequent occurrence of COVID-19. The topic is also relevant for nursing practice since it concerns the area of infectious disease prevention and subsequent public health decisions. Both masks and vaccines are measures that aim to avoid illness, although the second alternative is more relevant and practical from a nurse’s perspective. It could be discussed whether the available epidemiological data can settle the dispute regarding the masks and vaccines and how descriptive researches contribute to the policies regarding these measures.
Reference
Reilly, K. (2022). Mask mandates are returning to schools as COVID-19 cases surge. Time.