People play Scotland traditional music during the Highland Games at Alameda County Fairgrounds in California, the United States, Sept. 3, 2023. (Photo by Li Jianguo/Xinhua)

Updated COVID-19 vaccines are anticipated to become available in the United States by the end of September.

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the United States recently, raising anxiety around the possibility that schools could implement mask mandates again.

Surges of COVID-19 cases in Texas and Kentucky have caused three school districts to briefly suspend in-person classes, according to a report of The Hill.

In the post-emergency era of COVID-19, schools no longer have the comprehensive surveillance data that was readily available during the pandemic.

Without specific guidance, decisions on COVID mitigation measures are largely up to school district leaders, in cooperation with local health authorities and in consultation with the community, said the report.

Updated COVID-19 vaccines are anticipated to become available in the United States by the end of September.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to hold a meeting on COVID-19 vaccines on Sept. 12.  ■