COVID-19 Spike Among Those 10-19 Deemed 'Concerning' In Austin

AUSTIN, TX — A reported "spike" in cases of the coronavirus among those between the ages of 10-19 actually represents eight individuals in the demographic, a relatively small increase but a trend seen as "concerning" as children return to school, Patch has learned.

In a reply to an email from Patch, Austin Public Health officials said the age group represents 6.1 percent of all individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 recorded in the past weeklong span. On a more granular level, the percentage represents eight people from the age group, officials wrote.

"While it is a concerning trend, with a much lower overall number of individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, this 6.1 percent represents 8 individuals in that age range," officials wrote to Patch. "Austin Public Health is continuing to work to educate and empower parents to keep their children safe as school restarts."

The region's largest school district, Austin ISD, resumed virtual classroom learning on Tuesday. Austin ISD trustees in August delayed the first day of classes to Sept. 8, with plans for in-person classroom learning by October in phases.