as been reassuring” that rapid spread of the virus has not been reported as many schools have reopened for in-person instruction, and there has been little evidence that schools have contributed meaningfully to increased community transmission. The authors affirm that all recommended mitigation measures in schools must continue: requiring universal face mask use, increasing physical distance by de-densifying classrooms and common areas, using hybrid attendance models when needed to limit the total number of contacts and prevent crowding, increasing room air ventilation, and expanding screening testing to rapidly identify and isolate asymptomatic infected individuals. Staff and students should continue to have options for online education, particularly those at increased risk of severe illness or death if infected with SARS-CoV-2.
COVID View: A Weekly Surveillance of U.S. COVID-19 Activity: Presents the nation’s official weekly surveillance data for COVID-19 including infections, hospitalizations and deaths. In addition, disaggregates data along numerous demographic dimensions including by state, by age, by gender, and by race/ethnicity. Data are based on COVID-19 case-level data reported by state and territorial jurisdictions to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. The numbers are confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases as reported by U.S. states, U.S. territories, New York City, and the District of Columbia from the previous day.
COVID Data Tracker [CDC]: Provides maps and charts tracking COVID-19 infections, deaths, and trends across the United States. The site offers state-level, regional and even county-level views of key data for monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for exploration of standardized data across the country. Footnotes describe each data source and the methods used for calculating the metrics. Data is updated daily by 8 pm ET.
COVID-19 Demographic and Economic Resources - United States Census Bureau: Presents selected U.S. Census Bureau demographic and economic data to help guide decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data are presented in interactive maps and downloadable resources that users can incorporate directly into their research and data products. The demographic, socio-economic, and housing data come from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS). The site features county-level Community Resilience Estimates.
2021 Kids Count Data Book - State Trends in Child Well-Being: Provides an annual state-by-state data set for 16 indicators of child well-being, spanning four domains of economic well-being, education, health, and family and community. The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s data book includes analysis of national and state-by-state trends on each measure and includes related policy recommendations. The 2021 Data Book and report present the most recent information available, while admittedly offering only a limited assessment of the impact of the pandemic that whose longer-term effects will become increasingly evident in the year ahead.
Phase 2 Restart and Recovery: Highlights healthy and safe protocols for reopening schools, parent and family engagement supports, and guidance on trauma-informed social and emotional learning. The Council of Chief State School Officer’s [CCSSO] Restart and Recovery plan is intended to support complex planning and preparation demands on states as they restart schools and recover student learning.
COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry: Lists and describes numerous factors that should influence and shape collaborative decision-making among school districts, state and local health departments to facilitate a safe and appropriate return to in-person school for K-12 students. This resource, from the American Academy of Pediatrics, focuses especially on student-centered and on environmental considerations, and provides a curated set of resources from both AAP and CDC to support preparations for returning to school.
Evaluating Data Types: A Guide for Decision Makers Using Data to Understand the Extent and S