1/Getting ALOT of questions in last 24hrs "is COVID less severe than seasonal flu for kids?" The answer is NO. Do not fall for the great Barrington Declaration "infect the kids" mantra. 2/this infect the kids rational is justified by solely looking at deaths. For example severe 2017-2018 influenza season claimed an estimated 643 lives age 0-17 whereas COVID claimed an estimated 332 lives through May 2021 bit.ly/3jjEdTM bit.ly/3mBcS1p

A few points on COVID-19 and kids: Data from AAP and Children’s Hospital Network surveillance indicate that pediatric patients account for over 2% of all COVID-19 hospitalizations downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/AAP%20… CDC estimated more than 209,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations in U.S. children just through May 2021 - pre-delta wave cdc.gov/coronavirus/20…

1/ The rationale for masks in COVID prevention it a hot topic so I want to provide an overview. Community masking focuses on two mechanisms: source control & inhalation protection @Don_Milton 2/ Masks alone will not stop COVID19 but are an important tool in reducing transmission. When masks are one of a number of measures that together can can stop COVID19

1/ Update on COVID & Indoor Dining/Drinking Venues
- Data on universal face coverings has grown and is strong
bit.ly/3kFYmAQ

-aerosol transmission occurs & risk in indoor environments close to 20-fold increase
BMJ bit.ly/38PLL

Medrxiv bit.ly/36IQd9R 2/ Restaurants indoor dining/drinking - possess three critical elements of transmission risk

Close prolonged contact
Confined spaces
Person/sq ft density is high than most other settings