No Mask… No School In Boise?

No mask... No School? Most parents have been celebrating since the school districts announced the return to in person learning, however some Boise parents are concerned that their kids will not be fully protected from COVID-19. If we stop and think about it for a second, most of us will agree that the concern is valid. Consider this scenario... Timmy's parents don't believe in masks, Timmy doesn't feel the need to wear one, he's exposed to COVID and is asymptomatic then comes to school not wearing a mask and exposes other kids that may or may not be wearing a mask. In my mind this brings up a couple of questions... one... should there be a no mask, no school rule?  two... Are mask exemptions currently allowed?

According to a statement from a West Ada spokesperson during a ktvb interview :

"There are circumstances under which a medical exemption from wearing a face mask may be indicated, and in many of those circumstances, the underlying medical condition meriting the exemption may make it medically inadvisable for the student or staff member to be attending school in-person. A mask exemption must be supported by documentation from a medical provider and approved by a district administrator.” 

Any student or staff in the school building without a face mask poses a significant threat to everyone else in the building and is at higher risk of personal exposure; therefore, it should be the case that most students or staff with mask exemptions should consider learning/working remotely, rather than through in-person attendance."

It appears there is no hard and fast " No mask... No school" rule  but the district does provide exemptions on a case-by-case basis. it's also important to note that students cannot simply opt-out. This is the part where I can't help but say #2021Problems.