The American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending all kids wear masks when going back to school this year to help protect against the surging Delta varient of the coronavirus.
The president of the academy's Minnesota chapter says they support the recommendation on the statewide level.
"A year ago, when we were recommending everyone back to school in person if we could, it didn't happen for everybody," said Dr. David Berkowitz, Minnesota chapter president of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
"We still have that same recommendation, but with a lot more information to support it now," he told Adam Carter on the WCCO Morning News.
Doctor Berkowitz said the goal is to protect all children and get them back into the classroom after a year of distance and hybrid learning.
"We know that there was a lot of negative impact on children from not being in-person learning," he said. "From their education, to their social skills, nutrition, mental health. The more we can do to get them back into school and protect especially those younger ones who can't be immunized yet. It's going to be really important."
He also says there is now testing going on vaccines for kids below the age of 12, and his hope that it'll be ready before the end of the year.