As COVID-19 cases surge across the country, primarily driven by the highly transmissible Delta variant, health officials are increasingly concerned about the safety of children—especially those under 12 who are not yet eligible for vaccination. Dr. Samuel Greene, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, has issued a stark warning about the ongoing risks, stating that the situation is likely to worsen.
With students returning to in-person classes, the potential for increased transmission poses a grave threat to young learners, particularly in states where mask mandates and social distancing protocols have been relaxed. Appearing on a recent news segment, Dr. Greene highlighted that approximately 90 million Americans, including many children, remain unvaccinated and are “sitting ducks for this virus.”
As the U.S. faces a dramatic rise in daily COVID-19 cases—averaging around 120,000—Dr. Greene predicts that numbers could soar to 200,000 new cases per day in the near future. “This upward trend shows no signs of slowing down, which is disheartening given our hopes for a return to normalcy,” he explained, noting that the current situation mirrors the early days of the pandemic before vaccines were widely distributed.
Dr. Greene dismissed the notion that COVID-19 is harmless to children, citing a significant increase in pediatric cases and hospitalizations. Recent data revealed that 121,427 child COVID-19 cases were reported in the week ending August 5, before many children even began the new school year. “At this moment, nearly 2,000 kids are hospitalized, with a number of them in intensive care units, some even under four years old,” he stated. “To suggest that children are not at risk is simply not supported by the evidence.”
With the return to school underway, Dr. Greene emphasized the critical importance of mask-wearing, especially in unmasked schools where outbreaks have already begun. “When schools open without mask requirements, we see outbreaks emerge, leading to a return to virtual learning—something we all strive to avoid. It’s unfortunate that politics have complicated this straightforward public health measure,” he remarked.
As we navigate these challenging times, protecting our most vulnerable populations remains imperative. Getting vaccinated when eligible and adhering to public health guidelines, such as mask usage, is not just a recommendation; it’s a responsibility we all share.
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In summary, the Delta variant poses a significant risk to children, particularly those who are unvaccinated. As schools reopen, it’s crucial to prioritize the health and safety of our youth through vaccination and protective measures like mask-wearing.
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