The rise in pediatric COVID-19 cases is leaving people to wonder about returning to school after the holiday break.

Dr. Sivia Lapidus, a pediatric rheumatologist with Hackensack Meridian Health, says the numbers can't be ignored.

"The numbers say it all," says Lapidus. "They're rising and we know what COVID does to adults, to children, and it's serious."

The increase in cases has prompted several school districts across the Garden State to announce that they will switch to remote learning. On Tuesday, New Brunswick and Camden City schools announced they will start remote learning, effective Jan. 3.

Lapidus says it is very difficult to determine if that is the right course to take. Lapidus says six weeks ago she would have said keep schools open.

Dr. Christina Gagliardo, a pediatric infectious disease attending with Atlantic Health says, "The priority should be to keep schools open safely, but we are worried as children go back after the holidays that we may see outbreaks in schools, so it remains to be seen."

Both doctors say vaccination is key in making the return to the classroom safe. Dr. Gagliardo says kids are looking forward to going back to school.

"Some patients were just excited to roll up their sleeve, have their protection, and contribute to society by getting vaccinated."

Dr. Lapidus says those who are vaccinated seem to recover fully and are not affected by the illness as much.