COVID-19 in Pediatric Patients: Observations from the Initial Phase of the Global Pandemic in Rhode Island.

Objective: To describe characteristics of children undergoing SARS-CoV-2 testing during the initial wave of infections in Rhode Island.

Methods: This is a descriptive study of 729 children tested for SARS-CoV-2 at four emergency departments April 9 to May 7, 2020 in Rhode Island. Demographic information and symptoms were cataloged for those tested.

Results: 81 (11%) children tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. 94% of positive children were symptomatic. 74% of positive cases had constitutional symptoms and 72% had upper respiratory symptoms. While only 34% of those tested were Hispanic, 68% of the SARS-CoV-2- positive cases occurred in Hispanic children.

Conclusion: This study details the pediatric population's experience during the first wave of the pandemic in Rhode Island. It could inform testing allocation strategies in healthcare settings. It also highlights vulnerable populations in need of further public health support in our state.