The “mama symbol” is a common concern among some parents in Utah, USA, that puts children at risk of contracting Corona Virus And go without treatment.
The supposed code has seen groups of parents agree not to test their children for COVID-19 in an effort to keep schools open.
Parents also hope to keep the sports teams going by keeping virus case numbers artificially low.
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Local mom Heather Bremner in Salt Lake City heard about the “mother icon” last month and told ABC7 that the idea is spreading through online parenting groups.
“Mothers kind of decide together, ‘Hey, our kids won’t be tested for COVID,” she said.
The outlet reported that Facebook pages were inundated with messages directed to parents to “stay home, not get tested” and to avoid kids being tested for COVID-19 even if they show symptoms.
Although some parents in Utah may see the appeal of keeping schools open, the decision not to test children for the coronavirus is a dangerous one.
Not only does it put children at risk of late diagnosis and treatment, leading to potential complications and even death, it also puts the entire condition at even greater risk.
Utah recorded an all-time high number of COVID-19 cases this week, with numbers continuing to rise across the United States.
“So far, our hospitals have been able to provide quality care to all COVID and non-COVID patients who need it,” Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said Friday.
“But today we stand on the edge of a precipice. If the Utahans do not take serious steps to curb mass gatherings and wear masks, then our health care providers will not have the capacity to provide quality care to everyone who needs it.”
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This means that children who have not been tested for the COVID-19 virus but are carrying the virus may struggle to get the care they need, especially if they are not diagnosed early.
Although there is no confirmation that online talk of a “mother symbol” is implemented in the real world, it is a disturbing trend in parenting settings.
And it’s not just Utah, or even the United States.
Around the world, small groups of parents have spoken out against coronavirus-related safety measures such as masks and social distancing.
Some have gone so far as to describe the virus as a hoax, or “not that bad,” likening it to regular flu.
But with the global death toll rising to more than a million and science to support the severity of this pandemic, parents shouldn’t risk the health of their children.
