Fannin Regional Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dillon Miller expressed his concern over the Fannin County School System’s decision to not mandate mask use when school returns for the 2020-2021 school year August 7.
Miller discussed three practices physicians know can prevent the spread of the virus: Handwashing, 6-foot social distancing and wearing a mask.
“As a physician I cannot support a plan moving forward that does not mandate 6-foot social distancing, and when this is not possible, have a mask requirement,” Miller said. “I wear a mask all day. I do not enjoy it, but I do it because it keeps people safe. Some are concerned about it depriving your body of oxygen, this is not true. What is true is that if everyone is wearing a mask, this significantly reduces transmission of COVID-19. Remember masks protect others more than they protect the wearer. This is one of the best weapons in our arsenal.”
He explained that being within six feet of an infected individual in an enclosed space for longer than 15 minutes significantly increases the likelihood of contracting the virus.
“Under typical conditions students and teachers are within feet of one another for hours at a time,” he said. “If it is not possible to spread students six feet apart, the science clearly states that masks must be worn. This is the policy being enforced at universities around the state.”
He addressed a popular belief that children cannot become infected with COVID-19.
“While children under 15 are less likely to be infected and will develop less severe complications, there is still debate about their level of infectiousness,” Miller said. “Teenagers, however, are more susceptible than small children and more likely to spread the disease. Some of the first cases in Fannin County involved high school students.”
According to Miller, his greatest concern is for the safety and health of the system’s teachers and staff.
“These individuals are on the front lines caring for our children and putting themselves at the greatest risk,” he said. “Masks and 6 foot social distancing are their only forms of protection. If you are not mandating masks or social distancing you are denying them a safe work environment.”
He reiterated the severity of the virus stating, “This is not the flu. Never in my experience as a physician have I seen tertiary hospital ICUs filled to capacity in July. Some hospitals that regularly accept transfers of the sickest patients are not accepting transfers due to lack of beds. July is when doctors go on vacation and relax, this is not normal. Expect the fall and winter to see even more cases.”
He credited the school system for helping the county not experience a surge of cases by closing school in March.
“Due to the bold choices made by the board of education and community in March, we in Fannin county have not experienced a surge of COVID-19 cases like other areas in the state, but that can change if we become complacent.”
Miller’s comments were made during the public comment portion of the Board of Education’s regular monthly meeting Thursday, July 9, and were not responded to at that time.