Hundreds of Cobb County parents hear directly from doctors how COVID-19 could affect their students

It may not have been an official school board meeting, but more than 200 concerned Cobb County parents got to hear directly from local doctors in a virtual Q&A.

Pediatrician Dr. Laura Badwan told the parents she has been seeing a rise in kids getting sick.

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“We have definitely been seeing a rise. My 20 plus years, [I] haven’t seen it like this,” she said.

Cobb County School District board members Dr. Jaha Howard and Charisse Davis organized the virtual forum that gave doctors the opportunity to address misinformation about the virus and vaccines.

“There’s going to be many variants down the road. There’s Delta plus, so I think we have focus what we can do to keep our children safe and schools and how we can educate the public on what science to believe,” said Dr. Dimple Shah.

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Masks are currently optional in Cobb County schools, but many parents are pushing for a mandate following Monday night’s meeting.

Last week, the district reported 185 active cases among students and staff.

Some parents don’t agree with a mask requirement though.

“I am grateful. This school year, parents have options,” said parent of three John Hanson. “Our country clearly is founded on individual liberties and rights. And what I see is that COVID has enabled government officials to take those rights away from individuals and families.”

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There is no word at this time on whether or not Cobb County schools will remain allowing masks to be optional as more and more districts begin requiring them.

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