(WWJ) A Michigan State Representative is pleading with Governor Gretchen Whitmer to reconsider mask requirements for 2 through 4 years old before they take effect next week.
State Rep. Rodney Wakeman—Chair of the House Families, Children and Seniors Committee—penned a letter to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director, Elizabeth Hertel, passing on concerns on behalf of local families who have reached out to his office opposing the order.
"While we all understand that the recent surge in COVID-19 cases must be taken seriously, my constituents and I fail to see the need to change the rules for young children – especially considering no data has been provided to indicate a need for the new requirement targeted specifically at 2- to 4-year-olds," Wakeman wrote in the letter. "If such data exists, I respectfully ask that you share it with Michigan families and equip them with the information they need to make the decisions that are right for the safety of their children."
According to a release from Wakeman's office; data from the state shows children 9 and under make up just 3.7% of the state's COVID cases, less than 1 percent of the hospitalizations, and less than .1% of the deaths
"One could reasonably assume those numbers would be much smaller if the data was tailored specifically to children ages 2 to 4, who account for just a third of that overall age group," the release reads.
The order—announced about a week ago—takes effect on April 26. It will require children two and up to wear face masks in childcare settings, including summer camps.
