Back to School Outbreak News Round-Up

As we navigate this new academic year, it’s important to stay informed about the latest outbreaks. We’ve gathered and condensed some of the most noteworthy stories that our team has been reading so you can stay ahead of the headlines.

From school closures in Texas and Kentucky, to mask mandates being reinstated, or some schools requiring vaccines, we’ve got you covered. 

Covid Outbreaks In The News

Anxiety Rises Among Parents, Students, and Staff as Kids Return to School

With young people going back to school parents have anxiety and concerns surrounding the start of the new school year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The article highlights the challenges faced by students, parents, and educators as they navigate the uncertainties and risks associated with in-person learning. It talks about ‌fears of increased transmission of the virus among unvaccinated children and the potential impact on their health and academic progress. It also discusses the measures taken by schools, such as mask mandates and testing protocols, to mitigate the spread of the virus. Schools need to clearly communicate with parents about outbreaks or updated protocols, while providing support and resources to address anxiety and make sure a safe learning environment for students.

COVID-19 Surges As Kids Return to School

Axios points to the surge in COVID-19 cases among school-aged children during the summer of 2023 and the challenges for schools and parents to manage the spread of the virus. The article mentions the impact of the Delta variant on the increase in cases and the efforts made by schools to implement safety measures such as mask mandates and vaccination requirements. Additionally, it discusses the debate surrounding the reopening of schools and the potential long-term effects of the pandemic on children’s education and mental health.

Where the COVID-19 Outbreaks are Surging in Los Angeles

In ‌the late summer of 2023, the Los Angeles community experienced outbreaks of COVID-19 in schools, workplaces, and social gatherings. The Delta variant has impacted the surge in cases and has challenged local health officials to contain the spread of the virus. The article emphasizes the importance of vaccination and adherence to safety protocols in preventing further outbreaks. The city of Los Angeles has increased testing and vaccination access in the affected areas.

Texas School District Shuts Down

Runge ISD, a small South Texas school district located southeast of San Antonio, closed from August 24-29 due to a surge in COVID-19 cases among staff and students. All district buildings were sanitized that Monday, and extracurricular activities and team practices were put on hold. This closure is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the district’s staff, students, and community.

Schools Close Amid COVID Surge

Lee County School District and Magoffin County Schools in Kentucky have canceled classes from Aug. 22 to Aug. 29 due to “widespread illness,” including COVID-19. Likewise, Runge Independent School District in Texas has closed for the same amount of time due to COVID cases among staff.

Mask Mandate In The News

See a Comprehensive List of Schools Districts Requiring Masks

Here is a comprehensive list of schools and districts across the United States that have implemented mask mandates in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Different states and regions are taking varying approaches to stopping the spread, with some implementing universal mask mandates for all students and staff, while others have left the decision up to individual schools or districts. The article speaks to the importance of mask-wearing in preventing the spread of the virus and the ongoing debate and legal challenges surrounding mask mandates in schools.

Mask Mandates Reinstated at Atlanta College

Atlanta College has reinstated a mask mandate for students and employees on campus. This decision comes in response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the area and aims to prioritize the health and safety of the college community. The mask mandate applies to all indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status. The college administration believes that this measure will help mitigate the spread of the virus and ensure a safe learning environment for everyone on campus.

A Call to Reinstate Masks in Alabama and Louisiana

The article discusses the call to reinstate mask mandates in schools in Alabama and Louisiana due to the surge in COVID-19 cases. Health officials and educators in these states are urging the reinstatement of mask requirements to protect students and staff from the highly contagious Delta variant. The article highlights the concerns of parents and teachers who worry about the potential spread of the virus in schools and the impact it may have on the health and well-being of students. It also mentions the ongoing debate surrounding mask mandates and the differing opinions on their effectiveness in preventing the transmission of COVID-19.

Vaccine Requirements In The News

Rutgers University’s Decides to Keep COVID Vaccine Requirement

Rutgers University decided to continue requiring COVID-19 vaccinations and mask mandates for students and staff. Despite the recent FDA approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the university stands firm in its commitment to prioritize the health and safety of its community. Rutgers’ decision aligns with their previous policy and aims to create a safe learning environment amid the ongoing pandemic.

Some Colleges and Universities Still Require COVID-19 Vaccinations

Despite the passage of two years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, only a small number of colleges and universities still require COVID-19 vaccinations for students. Many institutions have dropped their vaccine mandates due to legal challenges and concerns about student enrollment. However, some colleges continue to prioritize the health and well-being of their students by maintaining vaccine requirements. The article emphasizes the ongoing debate surrounding vaccine mandates on college campuses and the potential impact on public health.