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The American Academy of Pediatrics said Monday there should be "universal masking" of students older than 2 years old when school returns, regardless of vaccination status. 

The big picture: The AAP says they are making the recommendation because a "significant portion of the student population is not yet eligible for vaccines," and if masks are used, "opening schools generally does not significantly increase community transmission."

In addition to universal masking, the APP recommends that more COVID-19 testing and mental health resources be made available.

Pediatric group recommends universal masking of students this fall

Most school-aged children are not yet vaccinated.

Children retrieve bagged lunches in their classroom

Children retrieve bagged lunches in their classroom in Columbia, Miss. Photo: Oliver Contreras/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Face masks

The American Academy of Pediatrics <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said" data-vars-click-url="https://services.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2021/american-academy-of-pediatrics-updates-recommendations-for-opening-schools-in-fall-2021/" data-vars-content-id="9c5265c8-08df-4a1c-aa2b-6358379e871b" data-vars-headline="Pediatric group recommends universal masking of students this fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://services.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2021/american-academy-of-pediatrics-updates-recommendations-for-opening-schools-in-fall-2021/" target="_blank">said</a> Monday there should be &quot;universal masking&quot; of students older than 2 years old when school returns, regardless of vaccination status. The big picture: The AAP says they are making the recommendation because a &quot;significant portion of the student population is not yet eligible for vaccines,&quot; and if masks are used, &quot;opening schools generally does not significantly increase community transmission.&quot;

President Biden has made the COVID-19 crisis and a post-Trump return to national unity and traditional democratic ideals his top priorities. From vaccinations to stimulus to schools, Biden is seeking bipartisan compromise while showing a willingness to use executive authority and bare Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate to implement his policies. Republican leaders are navigating deep party divisions over if and how to move beyond former President Trump.

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Pediatric group recommends universal masking of students this fall

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