video1.0<iframe src="https://www.loom.com/embed/2230942bc75540f9b195f050becfa471" frameborder="0" width="1280" height="960" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>9601280Loomhttps://www.loom.com9601280https://cdn.loom.com/sessions/thumbnails/2230942bc75540f9b195f050becfa471-00001.gif437.006In this video message, I discuss the ongoing presence of COVID and its potential impact in the upcoming fall season. I highlight the effectiveness of masks in reducing transmission, citing a recent study on mask mandates in Ottawa, Canada. The study reveals a significant decrease in student and staff absenteeism when masks were reintroduced. I also emphasize the importance of proper mask fit and high-quality masks, especially in lower socioeconomic status schools with limited ventilation. Additionally, I mention another study that shows the protective effects of masking, which averted thousands of clinical cases and deaths. Finally, I share insights on the relationship between COVID and seasonal respiratory viruses like RSV, expressing concerns about potential immunity theft and acute RSV outbreaks.