Summer COVID surge could continue as school starts, Bay Area experts warn

As the school year kicks off, concerns about COVID-19 remain high, with wastewater data showing "very high" levels of the virus in California. This raises the potential for COVID to spread in classrooms.

“We’re all excited about the start of the new school year,” said Dr. Brent Stephens, Superintendent of the Lafayette School District.

Tuesday marked the first day back at Lafayette Elementary School. Similar to other Bay Area districts, Lafayette has welcomed new teachers and prepared its food services. However, the likelihood of virus spread, including COVID-19, remains a concern.

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Health experts weigh in on the situation.

"California is unfortunately a significant hotspot for COVID,” said Dr. John Swartzberg, an infectious disease professor at UC Berkeley Public Health.

While COVID case numbers seem to be stabilizing, experts warn that the return to school could further drive the summer surge.

“With students from preschool to college heading back, we could see the problem worsen. It’s hard to predict exactly what will happen, but I expect respiratory activity to continue through the rest of this month and into September,” Dr. Swartzberg said.

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Superintendent Stephens stated that while masking is an option for families, it is not mandatory.

Contra Costa Deputy Health Officer Dr. Meera Sreenivasan added that there should be no stigma attached to students who choose to wear masks.

Experts recommend that children who are sick stay home.

“If a child tests positive for COVID, follow CDC guidelines: keep them home for five days. If they are feeling better and have been fever-free for 24 hours, they can return to school but should wear a mask for the next five days,” advised Dr. Swartzberg.