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Along with other preventive
strategies, schools need to follow masking protocols for reducing the spread of
pediatric COVID-19.
A recent county-level report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demonstrated that the correct and consistent use of the mask is essential in schools to reduce transmission of pediatric COVID-19.
This study was conducted to determine the effect of masking in schools based on the comparison between county-level pediatric COVID-19 cases in schools with or without mask requirements. A total of 520 countries were included to collect data. CDCs COVID Data tracker was used to assess county-specific pediatric COVID-19 rates. The data was collected and tabulated by school start week.
One sided t-test was used to calculate aggregated pediatric COVID-19 case counts and compare average weekly changes among countries with and without mask requirements. A multiple regression analysis was also employed to determine the associations between school masking requirements and pediatric COVID-19 cases.
The findings showed that the countries with no mask requirements have a large increase in pediatric COVID-19 cases after school start when compared to countries with school mask requirements. School mask requirements were also linked with reduced daily cases of pediatric COVID-19, as observed in multiple regression analysis.
In conclusion, the masking protocols need to be adopted strictly in schools, especially among kindergarten students through grade 12 for preventing the community spread of pediatric COVID-19.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
Pediatric COVID-19 Cases in US Schools With or Without School Mask Requirements
Samantha E Budzyn et al.
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