Schools See Decline In COVID-19 Cases, Urged To Keep Mask Orders

BIRMINGHAM, AL — School systems in the Birmingham metro and throughout the state have in recent weeks reported a decline in the number of positive COVID-19 cases among students. And for some systems, the decline in cases has prompted a change in masking policies.

The Alabama Department of Public Health Tuesday reported that nearly 23 percent of COVID-19 cases in the state are among children age 17 or younger,and almost 18 percent of cases are in school-age children.

Despite the decline in cases among students in Alabama, health officials in the state say lifting mask mandates in schools may be premature.

"Consistent and correct mask use in schools has helped reduce the number of cases of COVID-19, helped schools remain open to in-person learning in Alabama, and helped prevent the consequences of this serious disease," the ADPH said in a release Tuesday. "As of September 27, at least 30 children were hospitalized in Alabama for COVID-19 and three were on ventilators."

Dr. Wes Stubblefield, former President of the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said all schools should apply all preventive measures to reduce COVID-19, including universal masking for students, teachers, staff and visitors.

"Practicing preventive measures against COVID- 19 in schools is critical to keeping our kids in the classroom where they can learn in a safe environment," Stubblefield said.

Dr. Karen Landers of the ADPH echoed Stubblefield's statements, Landers adding, "I very much support keeping kids in classroom settings, and data reinforce the advisability of universal indoor masking in schools, along with other layered mitigation measures."

Already, Vestavia Hills City Schools reversed its mask order, making masks optional on its campuses, and Shelby County Schools lifted its mask mandate. Other nearby schools systems, including Birmingham City Schools, Mountain Brook Schools, Trussville City Schools and Hoover City Schools have kept mask orders in place.

"Currently, we are monitoring over twice the number of reported positive COVID cases that we were this time last year," Mountain Brook Schools said in a release Friday. "Additionally, we are continuing to monitor school attendance numbers, reported positive and close contacts, Jefferson County positive numbers and state numbers. While doing this, we are continuing to communicate with local health officials regarding current trends and data. The age group in Jefferson County with the most positive cases is currently the 9 to 19-year-old age range."

Jefferson County Schools have a mask order in place that expires Friday. Some systems, like Hoover City Schools, are waiting for a steadier outlook in the drop in COVID-19 cases.

Superintendent Dee Fowler from Hoover City Schools said Sept. 14 that Hoover's masking plan requires the overall percentage of COVID-19 cases throughout the school district to be 1 percent or lower for two consecutive weeks before masks become optional.

Most schools on the Birmingham metro have reported fewer than 1 percent of their student populations with positive COVID-19 diagnoses, according to data from the ADPH..

COVID-19 cases in Birmingham metro schools systems as of Sept 23, according to the ADPH:

• Birmingham City Schools: 79 cases (0.31 percent of students)
• Homewood City Schools: 8 cases (0.24 percent of students)
• Hoover City Schools: 96 cases (0.7 percent of students)
• Jefferson County Schools: 228 cases (0.63 percent of students)
• Mountain Brook Schools: 16 cases (0.36 percent of students)
• Pelham City Schools: 10 cases (0.32 percent of students)
• Shelby County Schools: 109 cases (0.47 percent of students)
• Trussville City Schools: 21 cases (0.49 percent of students)
• Vestavia Hills City Schools: 18 cases (0.23 percent of students)