Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Schools In Several States Withholding COVID Data
Detroit Free Press: State Of Michigan Not Releasing Details Of Kids' COVID-19 Deaths
Michigan is among eight states nationally that have not released details about the number of children who've died from novel coronavirus since the pandemic began. The state Department of Health and Human Services told the Free Press on Tuesday that "fewer than five" children have died of COVID-19 or its complications so far this year, but it would not disclose specifically how many kids have died or provide any other details. (Shamus, 10/7)
ProPublica: Illinois Has Had COVID-19 Outbreaks In 44 Schools But Won’t Say Where They’ve Occurred
Nearly two months into the school year, Illinois public health officials said they have verified COVID-19 outbreaks in at least 44 school buildings across the state, but they declined to say where those cases occurred and acknowledged they may not know the full scope of the virus’s spread in schools. Unlike many other states, Illinois doesn’t publish the number of cases linked to schools or which schools have been affected — even as parents and educators try to assess whether in-person learning is safe. State health officials released overall numbers at the request of ProPublica Illinois and the Chicago Tribune. (Cohen and Smith Richards, 10/8)
In other school news —
WCCO - CBS Minnesota: School Nurses Take On A New Role As They Juggle COVID Symptoms And Other Illnesses
For weeks, Minnesota school nurses have been on the virus front lines as most students are back in their buildings. The COVID-19 pandemic is proving to be a challenge while still juggling other illnesses and symptoms. Two school nurses gave WCCO some insight into an unprecedented year. From the sniffles to sore throats, Anoka-Hennepin’s Director of Nursing Cynthia Hiltz explains how symptoms are examined much more closely this school year. “People don’t come in with I have COVID across my head it’s really hard to determine what’s going on,” Hiltz said. “It’s not a road map where you start here and go here. There are a lot of variables to look at.” (Collin, 10/8)
The Hill: Nearly Half Of Parents Polled 'Very Worried' Kids Will Get COVID-19 At School
More than half of American parents say they are at least somewhat concerned about their child contracting COVID-19 at school or in child care facilities, according to a new Gallup poll released Thursday. Forty-five percent of parents surveyed said they are “very worried” about their child contracting the coronavirus at either site, and another 27 percent said they were “somewhat worried.” Thirteen percent of parents said they are “not too worried,” and 9 percent said they are “not at all worried.” (Axelrod, 10/8)
