Over the first 18 days of August, Dr. Scott Harris said, 8,462 children younger than 18 had tested positive for COVID-19. That compares with 1,831 in the first 18 days of August 2020.

Fifty children are hospitalized, with nine on ventilators, Harris added. Alabama’s current 7-day average for child hospitalizations is 11. Alabama has had 945 total hospital admissions for children age 0-17 years from August 1, 2020 to August 17, 2021.

The numbers are based on new admissions per 100,000 residents.

The increase comes as Alabama hospitals reach ICU capacity for all patients across the state.

(SOURCE WBRC FOX 6 NEWS)