DV’s new mask exemption form requires doctor’s signature

There’s a new mask exemption form on the Delaware Valley School District’s website.

“The temporary form came off the website (dvsd.org) because it was due back to the school a week ago Tuesday,” said Julie Ewald, secretary to the superintendent, John Bell.

“The old form was temporary – good through September 30 and only a parent signature was needed,” she said. “The new form is for the rest of the 2021-22 school year – a doctor’s signature is needed on this form.”

The exemptions are a flashpoint between parents who do not want their children masked at school and those who support the governor’s mask mandate. Supporters say the exemption forms flout legal protections that put their children and the wider community in danger of Covid-19.

Ewald said Bell had no comment.

Little Pediatrics of Port Jervis posted a Facebook message saying “We’ve heard — loudly, angrily, even profanely — from parents who just want us to sign the form. We understand your concern. And, because so many of us are parents ourselves, we empathize with your fear, your frustration and your absolute exhaustion after eighteen months of a global pandemic.”

But, the doctors said they must adhere to professional ethics, and will also sign exemption forms “if a child has a medical or developmental history that warrants an exemption as outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics.”

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