Coronavirus live updates: Teachers could be exempt from quarantine rules; Fauci undergoes vocal cord surgery; Mass. requires flu vaccine

As COVID-19 outbreaks at schools continue to pop up causing students and staff in some states to quarantine, a new study suggests that children may play a larger role in community spread of the new virus than previously thought.Researchers in Massachusetts found that some children who tested positive for COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of virus in their airways than hospitalized adults in intensive care units, according to the study published Thursday.The study comes as new federal guidance lists teachers as "critical infrastructure workers," meaning they could be exempt from quarantine requirements after potential exposure to the virus if they show no symptoms. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Notre Dame both announced this week they would pause their plans for in-person learning after coronavirus spread quickly on campus once students returned.-- Chris QuintanaTeachers are considered essential workers, Tennessee has said in issuing guidance for school districts, meaning they can be required to come to work even if they have been exposed to the coronavirus.On their own, several school districts recently approved policies that allow superintendents to designate certain employees as part of “critical infrastructure.” This week, Gov. Bill Lee said during a news briefing that he supports school districts that adopt such policies.Under the policies, teachers can be required to come to school and instruct even if they have been exposed to the virus or are even living with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Cassidy, a gastroenterologist, said he would quarantine for 14 days and notify everyone who may have come into contact with him.“I am strictly following the direction of our medical experts and strongly encourage others to do the same,” Cassidy said in a statement.Thirteen members of Congress have tested positive for COVID-19 or been diagnosed with the coronavirus– Nicholas WuTwo recent incidents involving young children who refused to wear face masks show how airlines are struggling to balance safety with compassionate treatment of all their customers during a pandemic.JetBlue Airways forced a woman and her six children off a plane this week when her 2-year-old daughter wouldn’t keep her mask on. He’s flying in from Jacksonville, Florida.– Christine BrennanState public health officials announced Wednesday that the flu vaccine will be required for all students 6 months or older who are attending Massachusetts child care, pre-school, kindergarten, grade school and colleges or universities.The new vaccine requirement is an important step to reduce flu-related illness and the overall impact of respiratory illness during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Massachusetts Department of Health said. Students have until Dec. 31 to get the vaccine, unless they can provide a medical or religious exemption."It is more important now than ever to get a flu vaccine because flu symptoms are very similar to those of COVID-19 and preventing the flu will save lives and preserve health care resources," said Dr. Larry Madoff, medical director for the state’s bureau of infectious disease and laboratory sciences.– The Patriot Ledger staffDoctors at Mount Sinai's hospitals in New York may have uncovered a new clue as to why some COVID-19 patients can't get enough oxygen despite being on ventilators — all thanks to the sound of tiny bubbles.A transcranial Doppler tracks blood flow in the brain, and Dr. Alexandra Reynolds at Mount Sinai created a robotic version so doctors could perform the test safely with COVID-19 patients.