As the new school year kicks off in various districts, a concerning number of children are already facing quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure. The highly contagious delta variant continues to spread across the United States, where the vaccination rate remains around 60% for those eligible. With most states lifting mask mandates—and some even banning them—schools are largely open for in-person learning. However, in certain districts, just days into the school year, thousands of students find themselves in quarantine due to outbreaks.
In a South Carolina school district, for instance, 126 students and 22 staff members tested positive for the virus during the initial week of classes, resulting in over 600 students needing to quarantine. It’s noteworthy that Kershaw School District has made masks optional for students, in a region where only 42% of the population is vaccinated.
In Richmond, Virginia, the entire fourth grade at Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts is in quarantine following four positive cases among students. Similar vaccination rates in the county mean that none of these fourth graders are vaccinated yet, as they are not eligible until they turn 12.
Mississippi is facing a troubling scenario as well, with nearly 1,000 students and teachers testing positive so far this school year and around 5,000 currently in quarantine. Many districts in Mississippi have also opted for optional mask policies. In response to rising cases, schools like Oak Grove High School and Purvis High School have transitioned to virtual classes to manage outbreaks affecting students and staff.
Interestingly, some districts, such as Ankeny, Iowa, have decided not to require quarantines for exposed students, reflecting the statewide ban on mask mandates in schools.
Pediatric COVID-19 cases are on the rise across the nation, with children accounting for more than 20% of new cases since early May. Notably, pediatric ICUs in Texas and Tennessee are struggling with capacity, having run out of beds for sick children. While most pediatric cases tend to be mild, there has been a slight increase in hospitalizations among children, rising from 0.1% to 1.9%.
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Summary:
As the school year begins, many districts are already seeing students quarantined due to COVID-19 exposure, with alarming numbers of cases reported across states like South Carolina, Virginia, and Mississippi. With the delta variant fueling the spread, pediatric cases are rising, leading to a strain on health resources. The situation is exacerbated by varying mask mandates and vaccination rates.
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