Children are starting to go back to school this month — most of them in person — and the delta variant is changing the game. UT Health San Antonio Pediatric Infectious Diseases Dr. Tess Barton said this latest surge is having a larger impact on children.
“What we're seeing recently is that of all the people who are getting COVID, children are making up a larger chunk of that than they were before.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics said during the week ending July 22, nearly 17% of COVID cases were children. A year ago at this time that figure was just 3%, according to Barton.
Among the reasons for the surge in children is that those under 12 are not eligible for vaccines.
Barton said — in the absence of vaccines — the people around children need to make sure they’re vaccinated. She also urged everyone — including children — to wear masks at school. Desks and people should also be kept at least 3 feet apart.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its guidance for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 in schools.
In the latest episode of TPR’s Petrie Dish, Dr. Barton answers questions about COVID-19 in schools from children and parents. She also explains the “swiss cheese” model of COVID mitigation that offers the highest level of protection to children.
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