As schools reopen amidst the surging delta variant of COVID-19, public health officials are calling for mask mandates to safeguard students. Despite alarming increases in cases, hospitalizations, and fatalities, many schools have proceeded without adequate safety measures. A recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reveals a staggering statistic: in the past three weeks alone, over 500,000 children across the United States have contracted COVID-19. That’s right—more than half a million young ones tested positive within just three weeks.
The report, which draws on data from state health departments, indicates that between August 5 and August 26, there were 505,564 confirmed COVID-19 cases in children nationwide. Alarmingly, 203,962 of those cases occurred in just one week. Additionally, during this timeframe, hospitalizations among children due to COVID reached their highest levels since the pandemic began, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
This surge comes at a time when children under 12 remain ineligible for vaccination. The situation has been exacerbated by political tensions surrounding mask mandates in schools, with some conservative leaders actively opposing them. Numerous states, predominantly led by Republican governors, have even enacted bans on mask mandates, although these measures are facing legal challenges for potentially violating the rights of disabled students.
There is a glimmer of hope, however. Dr. Lisa Johnson announced that the FDA is working towards granting emergency use authorization for a vaccine for children under 12 by the end of the month. “We should have enough data to review and make a decision as we move into late September or early October,” she mentioned. “The data will then be submitted to the FDA for evaluation regarding emergency use authorization or other options.”
In the meantime, it’s evident that we are failing to protect our children adequately. If this alarming information doesn’t prompt school districts to reconsider their stance on mask mandates, it raises serious questions about their commitment to the health and safety of their students.
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In summary, with over half a million children testing positive for COVID-19 since the school year began, it is essential for officials to take immediate action to ensure student safety, especially since many remain unvaccinated.