American Academy of Pediatrics

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Pediatrician: Keep mask mandates in Mississippi schools

October 2, 2021 GMT

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The leader of a Mississippi pediatricians' organization is urging school districts to keep mask mandates in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.

"Many school boards in Mississippi are removing mask requirements," Dr.

Pediatricians group warns of COVID-19 spread among children

By DAVID PITTSeptember 29, 2021 GMT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The rise of the delta variant and beginning of the school year have dramatically increased the risks children face during the coronavirus pandemic, a group of pediatricians said in court documents submitted in the federal lawsuit against Iowa Gov.

State highlights parents’ mask claims in effort to end order

By DAVID PITTSeptember 20, 2021 GMT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The lawyer representing Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds in a federal lawsuit over mandatory mask use in schools has asked the judge to allow a temporary order that has allowed schools to implement mask mandates to expire next week, citing testimonials from mothers of school-age children who make unproven assertions that masks can harm children.

Judge temporary order allows Iowa schools to mandate masks

By DAVID PITTSeptember 14, 2021 GMT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A federal judge on Monday ordered the state of Iowa to immediately halt enforcement of a law that prevents school boards from ordering masks to be worn to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Kemp: More Georgians getting vaccinated; mandates bad idea

By SUDHIN THANAWALAAugust 6, 2021 GMT

ATLANTA (AP) — The state has seen an increase in COVID-19 vaccinations since a rise in infections fueled by the delta variant of the virus, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said Friday.

But he said some people may never be willing to take the shots, and he reiterated his opposition to COVID-related mandates, saying he doesn't believe “we need to have a dictatorship in government.”

Chicago schools requiring masks when schools reopen in fall

July 23, 2021 GMT

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Public Schools announced Thursday its students, teachers and staff will be required to wear masks indoors when they return to classrooms in August.

In a letter to parents, Chief Executive Officer José Torres said the policy is based on feedback from local, state and federal public health experts and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Atlanta schools to require masks for all students, staff

July 22, 2021 GMT

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Public Schools will implement a “universal mask wearing” policy in all of its school buildings when the new school year starts Aug. 5, the district announced Thursday.

In a statement, the school system cited the dangers of the Delta variant of the coronavirus and guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

As rate of pediatric cases rises, NJ holding off on masks

July 19, 2021 GMT

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday he’s not ready to reinstitute mask requirements, now or when schools are back in session in September.

The Democrat made his comments on the same day the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended a “layered approach” that includes masks for children over age 2, regardless of vaccination status, when they return to school.

Doctors: More parents refuse COVID tests for their sick kids

April 28, 2021 GMT

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Doctors are reporting that more parents are refusing to have their sick children tested for the coronavirus because they don't want to deal with the hassle if the result is positive...

Group’s policy statement on discipline raises questions

By John Rosemond | Tribune News ServiceNovember 26, 2018 GMT

The prestigious American Academy of Pediatrics has just released a policy statement claiming that “Aversive disciplinary strategies, including all forms of corporal punishment and yelling at or shaming children, are minimally effective in the short-term and not effective in the long-term.