Topline
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics' Tuesday report, more than 250,000 children were tested positive for Covid-19 in the U.S.
LONDON (ENGLAND) - JUNE 4: A Harris Academy Shortland's staff member takes a...[+] child's temperature on June 4, 2020 in London. Harris Academy schools have been able to teach smaller groups of students as part of Covid-19 lockdown. This is to maintain social distancing. The Government has allowed schools to reopen with restrictions lifted. School staff have been trying to find ways to offer more space while maintaining the right social distancing and cleanliness requirements. Some schools in England were reopened this week for students. Children in Year 1, Year 1 and 6 are allowed to return first. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images). Getty Images
The Key Facts
Based on data from 49 states, the report by the pediatrics group showed that 251,781 coronavirus cases were reported among children between August 26th and September 2. This is a 25% increase over the previous week, which was already exponentially higher than the approximately 50,000 cases recorded in the last week. The U.S. now has more than 25% of new coronavirus cases due to children, and some states like Tennessee report even higher shares. AAP reported that children accounted for 15% of all new coronavirus cases in the United States, an increase that started in July. According to the AAP, death and hospitalization due to Covid-19 in children is still very rare. Between 0.1% and 1.9% cases result in hospitalizations and between 0.00 to 0.03% cases leading to death. The group reiterated its call for more data regarding the longer-term effects of the pandemic, which include impacts on long-term health and emotional well-being of children.
Big Number
750,000. According to the AAP, that's how many children were positive for Covid-19 between August 5, and September 2, 2012.
Important Background
Since the beginning of the school year in July, a growing number of children have tested positive for the virus. According to The Wall Street Journal data, more than 1,000 schools were closed in 31 states due to rising case numbers. The number of Covid-19-infected children continues to rise, putting pressure on pediatric hospitals located in high-risk areas. As of Tuesday, nearly 2,400 children had been admitted to hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, which is more than any other time during the pandemic. Data from the Department of Health and Human Services shows.
Important Quote
In a letter to President Biden last month, Mark Wietecha, President of Children's Hospital Association, stated that the increased number of children hospitalized with the virus has put unprecedented strain on America's children's health care safety net. He warned that there may not be enough bed capacity or skilled staff to provide care for families and children in need during the school year.
Continue reading
These are the Parents Most Likely to Oppose School Mask Mandates. Poll finds (Forbes).
Child Covid-19 cases rise in states where schools are opened earliest (Wall Street Journal).
Children's hospitals are pleading for federal help as they run out of beds (NPR).
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