The American Academy of Pediatrics says that new research shows there is a 29% increase in COVID-19 cases among children ages 4 to 18.

Pediatrician Dr. John Zaso says the spread is happening within the community. He says students learning remotely or in a hybrid model are looking to be social, but parents and children need to use common sense and follow the guidelines.

Zaso says schools are not to blame for the increase in coronavirus numbers among children - it's what's happening outside them.

Westbury Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Eudis Budhai says the district has done everything they can to keep schools safe, and now he is reinforcing guidelines with parents - especially with the holidays looming and the heightened wave of infection.