Health official: New Mexico children need more virus testing

By CEDAR ATTANASIO
Associated Press / Report for America

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — School-aged children in New Mexico represent an increasing share of COVID-19 cases but are rarely tested for the disease. That means case rates among children are likely an undercount. This week health and education officials called for more testing of children. New Mexico Department of Health secretary David Scrace says more testing is needed for officials to confidently monitor outbreaks in schools. Children account for around 20% of cases, but the number is likely higher because 10% of those who get a test are positive. The rate is half that among adults, who are tested more frequently. Volunteer testing programs in schools have little buy-in, with less than 1% of students tested weekly.