"Back to School Jitters: COVID-19 Amplifies Anxiety"

As the new school year begins, the rise in COVID-19 cases is causing anxiety among students, parents, and school administrators. While some school districts have briefly suspended in-person classes due to surges in cases, most are relying on local data and decision-making to determine COVID mitigation measures. Without national guidance, superintendents are working with local health authorities and the community to make informed decisions. The lack of comprehensive surveillance data and the politicization of mask mandates and school closures pose challenges for school administrators. The majority of school districts have already started the academic year without the protection of new preventive treatments or updated COVID-19 vaccines. The availability of these preventive measures is expected in the coming months.