As the Delta variant spreads, nearly three-fourths of counties across the United States are reporting significant community transmission of COVID-19. It feels reminiscent of last year, when parents were sending their children back to school amidst growing concerns over rising case numbers. Instead of a hopeful return to normalcy, we find ourselves facing a renewed surge of COVID-19 as we approach a new school year. This situation is compounded by several states prohibiting mask mandates.
Recent federal data presents a troubling picture, with 72.48% of U.S. counties classified as experiencing high community transmission and 16.55% reporting substantial transmission. Less than 5% of counties are experiencing low transmission rates, and it’s worth noting that these statistics are available before many states have welcomed students back to classrooms.
In areas where COVID-19 is already surging, some politicians have opted to ban mask mandates in schools, effectively leaving the decision to parents. Florida has been particularly highlighted for its alarming hospitalization rates among both adults and children, with Governor Jake Thompson seemingly exacerbating the problem. The absence of a mask mandate could lead to worsening conditions once students return to school.
The data indicates that the southern U.S. is facing the brunt of this crisis, with Louisiana having the highest case rates, followed closely by Florida, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Missouri, Georgia, and Tennessee. Alarmingly, a charter school in Atlanta has already had to quarantine over 100 students within just the first week of classes.
As case numbers climb, so do hospitalizations. For instance, Mississippi has reported a staggering 375% increase in hospitalizations over the past month, with only 35% of its population vaccinated. Arkansas has seen a 158% rise in admissions during the same timeframe.
In summary, the pandemic that never truly left is reasserting itself, and without decisive action, this school year could be even more challenging than the last.
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