Monday on MSNBC, host Craig Melvin was shocked after NBC News/MSNBC medical correspondent Dr. John Torres presented a segment featuring several pediatricians saying they would send their kids back to school in the fall with proper precautions in place.
Torres spoke with Dr. Yvonne Maldonado from California, Dr. Shilpa A. Patel from New Jersey, Dr. William V. Raszka from Vermont, Dr. Jennifer Lighter from New York and Dr. Buddy Creech from Tennessee.
Melvin introduced the segment by saying, "We're hearing a lot from government officials as schools look to reopen during this pandemic but, it's paramount that we also hear from public health experts. NBC's Dr. John Torres talked with a group of them about the crucial factors patients need to consider when deciding whether to send their kids back to the classroom."
"As schools struggle with reopening safely, NBC News reached out to five top pediatricians across the country," Torres began. "A random sampling of doctors to find out just how dangerous the coronavirus is for kids. Our experts agree most children don't get as sick as adults and that serious complications are rare."
He added, "In fact, kids only account for 2% of all cases. doctors say they don't expect that number to significantly increase when schools open because kids don't appear to be good at spreading the virus."
Torres continued by noting that the doctors all agreed the benefits of in-classroom instruction outweigh the risks, but that schools should return with safety guidelines such as social distancing and wearing masks. He then asked each doctor if they would consider sending their children back to school:
Torres: "Would you let your kids go back to school?"
Dr. Patel" "I will. My kids are looking forward to it."
Dr. Raszka: "Yes, period."
Dr. Lighter: "Absolutely. As much as I can ... Without a hesitation, yes."
Dr. Creech: "I have no concerns about sending my child to school in the fall."
Dr. Maldonado: "I would let my kids go back to school."
When the segment ended, Melvin, looking stunned, said, "They all said yes."