Masks Not Recommended at School

SABRINA TANG , HEIDI LI Staff Writers

Though not a single case of the Wuhan coronavirus has been reported in Alhambra, some students want to take precautions to protect themselves such as wearing face masks. However, the Alhambra Unified School District released a memo stating that

the use of face masks is not recommended. 

“Masks are not going to protect people from the virus,” School Nurse Damaris Pessina said. “The best method is handwashing.” 

Teachers were advised to send students to the health office if they wore a face mask.

 “I think the coronavirus has been on everyone’s mind since the news broke out,” junior Amy Tran said. “People should still take precautions, but with more information presented, there has been an ease of mind.”

 While wearing a mask cannot guarantee protection from the virus, the Washington Post noted that it can prevent students from contracting the flu. Washing your hands can also help. 

Amidst rising fears of the coronavirus, an online petition which proposed to cancel school until the outbreak was over was created. The petition has since gained over 14,000 signatures, although it is unclear how many of these signatures actually come from the Alhambra area. In response to the petition, AUSD released a memo which stated “there is no reason for schools to close.” The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern. According to the United Nations, the virus can cause symptoms ranging from the common cold to pneumonia, which can be fatal. So far, over 17,000 cases have been confirmed although none are in Alhambra.