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A new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reveals that more than 500,000 children tested positive for the coronavirus within the past three weeks, just as schools reopened nationwide.
According todata collectedfrom state health departments, between August 5 and August 26, there were 505,564 total child cases of COVID-19 recorded across the nation, with 203,962 positive cases being reported within one week. During this time, the number of children hospitalized for COVID-19 also reached an all-time high in the United States, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Researchers have found that thedelta variant is the most contagious strain of COVID-19so far, and a study published Friday in the journalLancet Infectious Diseasesshows that the variant more than doubles the risk of hospitalization. As of now, children ages 11 and under remain ineligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, leaving them vulnerable to the virus as they return to classrooms.
Child getting tested for COVID.Getty Images
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“We should have enough of the data to examine and make a decision as we get into late September, the beginning of October,” Fauci said. “Then the data will be presented to the FDA, and the FDA will make a determination whether they will grant that under an emergency use authorization or some other mechanism.”
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In the meantime, health experts are expressing the need for both students and staff to wear face masks as the school year continues and the pandemic remains an issue nationwide.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors of K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status, as the Delta variant continues to spread.
However, mask mandates at schools and other public spaces vary from state to state. States like Florida, Texas, and Arizona have prohibited these kinds of mandates for the 2021-22 school year, but many districts have defied them despite threats of slashed funding.
As information about thecoronavirus pandemicrapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from theCDC,WHOandlocal public health departments.PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMeto raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from frontline responders to families in need, as well as organizations helping communities. For more information or to donate, clickhere.
source: people.com
