WASHINGTON, 25 July. - (ANA) - More than 150 prominent leaders in science, medicine, and education have signed a letter urging political leaders to shut down the US again as cases rise above 4 million with no end in sight. Coronavirus will soon become a leading cause of death in the US, according to the CDC (The Centers for Disease Control).

 

The CDC has released new guidelines that center around sending children back to school this fall despite "mixed evidence about whether returning to school results in increased transmission or outbreaks." A reopening could also disproportionately affect non-white Americans; according to CDC data, Black, Hispanic and Latino children make up nearly 72 percent of Covid-19 cases in children ages 5 to 17.

 

The latest data on the CDC website shows that while children between the ages of 5 and 17 are less likely to die from coronavirus, infections in that age group make up roughly 5.3% of all coronavirus cases in the U.S. Black, Hispanic and Latino children make up nearly 72% of cases in that age group. 

 

Parents are encouraged to monitor children for symptoms, the CDC said, and it's not recommending that schools conduct universal symptom checks. 

 

The CDC ultimately suggested that if schools remain closed, the risks for students contracting and spreading coronavirus are low, while the risks for students suffering academically and health-wise are high. It noted that schools offer vital resources, including food programs, special education services, counseling, and after-school programs to students. Many of these programs primarily aid low-income, minority or disabled students.  - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/25 July 2020 - - -