According to the Alabama Medical Association, more children were hospitalized with COVID-19 in August than any other time since the pandemic began in early 2020.

During its weekly live-streamed COVID-19 update, physicians with the Alabama Medical Association will discuss how the community spread of the Delta variant is affecting Alabama’s youth. Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric G. Mackey will join the discussion.

Dr. Aruna Arora, president of the Medical Association, warned of the harmful nature of the Delta variant and the risk it poses to children.

“The Delta variant is a highly transmissible strain of the virus that is a serious threat to children. Everyone 12 years old and older can help to protect young children by getting vaccinated,” said Arora. “The vaccines are proven to be safe, effective and they are free of charge. Doctors also recommend wearing masks while indoors out in public to help stop the spread of the virus.”

During tomorrow's Facebook Live at 4:00PM, we will be discussing COVID-19 in schools, how the community spread of COVID’s Delta variant is harming younger people (including children) in our state, and more.

We hope to see you there! pic.twitter.com/ferD7SDKXE

— Medical Association of the State of Alabama (@almedassoc) September 1, 2021

The webcast is part of the Medical Association’s weekly COVID-19 update which seeks to inform the public about mitigation efforts relating to the ongoing pandemic. The format allows viewers to submit questions that will be addressed by health care experts.

Thursday’s live-streamed update can be viewed on the Alabama Medical Association’s Facebook page, beginning at 4:00 p.m.