To the editor:
It is really discouraging - flipping through the pages of the Democrat and seeing all the photographs of family, friends and neighbors going about their lives - with no masks. Then review the school section with all the children’s faces hidden behind masks.
New York Governor Hochul mandates that school students wear the masks (which have not been proven to be at all effective in reducing the spread of Covid 19: ref. Dr. Lauren Roman’s presentation) to “protect the most vulnerable New Yorkers.”
A misguided policy for two reasons. 1) children are the least likely to contract Covid 19 but if they do, the cases are statistically insignificant with minor symptoms. 2) the number of serious cases of Covid 19 are on the decline. Compare the Democrat’s last two statistical reports: While the number of confirmed cases are reported to have increased, the updates for February 19 and 21 show: hospitalizations remained the same at less than five (down 10 from the beginning of the month) and death the same at 130. Over 76% of Sullivan County residents are vaccinated.
Someone should advise Governor Hochul that “one size does NOT fit all.” School boards and health providing agencies should have the right to tailor the needs of their students, staff and clients. As Sullivan West School District Superintendent Bressler indicated the school board would need to consider “...our medically fragile students, teachers and staff.” No argument there. As a taxpayer supporting the SWCSD I would happily endorse such efforts.

Lynn Nalven
Fremont Township