Thread by @nytimes

Thousands of coronavirus cases have already been linked to U.S. schools.

But more than a month after the first school districts welcomed students back for in-person instruction, it’s nearly impossible to tally a precise figure. Here's why. nyti.ms/2FIW5Xu

There’s no U.S. government effort to monitor coronavirus cases in schools. Here’s how uneven reporting by school districts and state governments is across the country. nyti.ms/2FIW5Xu

We collected the available data and surveyed districts in states with limited reporting. We wanted to understand how prevalent the virus was in America’s schools over the first weeks of classes.

At best, we captured a snapshot. nyti.ms/2FIW5Xu

In Tennessee, more than 1,300 cases have been reported in schools since August 31, and most districts have seen at least one case. nyti.ms/2FIW5Xu

In Ohio, it’s the opposite. Most districts have reported zero cases since Labor Day. nyti.ms/2FIW5Xu

New York’s school districts largely claim to be virus-free, but 56 cases had already been reported in New York City schools even before some students returned for in-person instruction this week. nyti.ms/2FIW5Xu

See what we learned about other states and where information simply isn’t available, leaving many students and families in the dark. nyti.ms/2FIW5Xu