A Look at DESE's Cited Sources: Footnote #9 and #66: Massachusetts Coronavirus Data

DESE Claim 1 (footnote #9): "In general, rates of COVID-19 infection are lower for children than for adults. [...] In Massachusetts, children under the age of 19 were about four times less likely than the population at large to be diagnosed with COVID-19."

DESE Claim 2 (footnote #66): "In Massachusetts, children under the age of 19 were about four times less likely than the population at large to be diagnosed with COVID-19."

Cited Source: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting

Peer Reviewed?: no (government informational site)

Study Methodology: public health data release

Notes: Extensive data on Massachusetts COVID-19 data. The June 25 dashboard linked to the page indicates 5,715 cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts children. The rate in children is 357 per 100,000, compared to 2,223.7 per 100,000 in adults (average of rates for 20-80+). This aligns with the four times likelihood claim. However, it is important to note schools in Massachusetts have been closed for the duration of the widespread pandemic in Massachusetts, meaning that most children have been isolated in small family groups at home.

Supports DESE Claim 1?: Yes. However, the DESE claim about lower infection rate for children does not indicate the safety of a school environment for adults. The infection rate in children being lower has also been during school closures in Massachusetts, which means many children may be in full isolation and this data may not indicate the infection rate that would occur when schools reopen.

Supports DESE Claim 2?: Yes.