'It makes us look not so bright': Pediatrician on optional mask policy in Harnett schools

On Monday, the Harnett County Board of Education voted 4-1 for masks to be optional for students and staff.

"It's really sad for us and it makes us look not so bright here in Harnett County," said pediatrician Dr. Lori Langdon.

Langdon said she's disappointed in the decision from Harnett County school leaders.

"We're concerned about all the children in Harnett County, and we stand to increase their risk of getting infected if we lose this mask mandate," she said.

Prior to Tuesday, masks were mandatory throughout the school district. School board members voted in favor of making masks optional during a meeting last month.

"That was the right thing to do for our children," said parent Matt Gore. "That was the right thing to do for our freedom and our rights."

Then, school board members met on Monday night to consider changing course and require face masks, and health officials and some parents said they were unhappy with the decision.

"I do fear quarantines could go up with optional masking because they have been high even with masks being mandatory," said Harnett County Schools Superintendent Dr. Aaron Fleming.

As of Monday, the Harnett County Schools coronavirus dashboard showed 53 positive cases among students and 13 positive cases among staff. Seven staff and 430 students are currently in quarantine.

"Removing masks at this point is not wise and it's not smart," said parent Tracy Moore.

But parents like Gina Carucci support the new policy in place.

"We believe in the freedom of choice -- medical freedom," said Carucci. "Wash your hands, sneeze into a tissue, take your vitamins, go outside, exercise, have a healthy diet ... I don’t think a mask is going to do anything for anybody."

School board members also voted on a new quarantine policy for students -- which allows students exposed to COVID-19 but haven't tested positive to return after seven days instead of 10 days.

The county health director made a plea for the school district to continue with the 10-day quarantine period.