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Med community, WASD parents offer both sides of masking debate

Several people, including medical professionals, approached the Williamsport Area School Board this week about the need to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Dr. James Redka, a long-time Williamsport physician, said vaccines and testing for the virus are keys to helping children and others to be protected.

“We need to get people vaccinated,” he said. “I do encourage masking children. The mask is helpful.”Also speaking to the board was Jonathan Scholnick of Williamsport., a member of Let’s End COVID!, a local group striving to educate the local population about coronavirus and the need for vaccines.

“We all share the same goals of keeping kids in school,” he said.

He noted the continued rise in COVID-19 infections, including those involving children.

“We propose a campaign to educate families and vaccines,” he said. “We can help kids not miss school.”

Jacqueline Oliva, of River Valley Health and Dental Center, said the clinic is open to holding a vaccine event.

Others told the board their views on masking and vaccines.

Sarah Reed, of Trout Run, said the district should not be concerned with vaccines.

“Educate about the right stuff,” she said. Masking kids, she said, can cause headaches. “Parents are getting tired of the masks,” Michele Hazel said.
She also questioned why a limited number of COVID cases resulted in the closing of a school. Another resident questioned why kids must wear masks at all.

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