PRESS RELEASE: Senator Siobhan Dunnavant's Statement on Governor Northam’s School Mask Mandate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2021
Contact: Hannah Kowitz
Senator Siobhan Dunnavant's Statement on Governor Northam’s School Mask Mandate
HENRICO - Senator Siobhan Dunnavant issued the following statement today regarding Governor Ralph Northam’s announcement that children will be required to wear masks at school. Northam alleged that because of SB1303, patroned by Dunnavant, children must wear masks at school.
“Just like me, Governor Northam is a doctor and knows how to follow the science and implement guidelines such as those from the CDC and AAP,” said Dunnavant. “And as a former state Senator, just like me, he knows how to read and interpret legislation passed by the General Assembly. The reality is that Governor Northam wants to mandate our children wear masks at school this year and is using an excuse to make a decision he knows is not in the best interest of our next generation.”
“SB1303 advises that in order for schools to be open this year they follow CDC guidelines to the maximum extent practicable. Translated - open schools and be adaptable to our children because in-person education is the most important thing. Mandates aren't adaptable. We are both doctors and lawmakers. Governor Northam knows the language in the bill is not a mask mandate. He should take leadership and own his decisions, not make excuses for policies he wants to implement.”
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