Parents are worried as Singapore is recently witnessing a major spike in coronavirus cases among kids under the age of 12 years.
The recent rise is on the back of the relaxation of some measures that prompted Singapore to pause further reopening. Even though more than 80 percent of its population has been vaccinated against the virus, there is a huge risk to young children.
As you are aware, there are no approved COVID-19 vaccines available in Singapore for use in kids under 12.
Singapore Reports Rise In COVID In Children Under 12
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Over the past week, new clusters have emerged in Singapore. There is one at a tuition centre in Bedok North- LearnJoy Education Centre, and the My Little Campus pre-school in Yishun.
Amid the sudden spike in cases, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced that all primary schools will switch to full home-based learning for Primary 1 to 5 pupils from September 27 to October 6.
Attendance At Tuition Centres Unaffected So Far
Ms Evelyn Tay of EtonHouse International Education Group told The Straits Times that many of the EtonHouse pre-schools continue to have full attendance. Since parents are stressed considering the current situation, the school is practising open communication and consistency.
For instance, if any student in the class receives a quarantine order, he or she is immediately isolated and parents of the other kids in the same class are also informed.
While children are in general at a lower risk of getting COVID-19, but unfortunately, this may not be the case for everyone. COVID in children under 5 years can be quite risky if they are suffering other underlying medical conditions. Hence, vaccination for young kids is very important.
Parents Of Kids Under 12 Anxiously Wait For COVID Vaccine
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Positive news came on Monday, as Pfizer-BioNTech revealed that their jab has produced a robust immune response in kids ages five to 11 in their trial tests. Pfizer now plans to seek approval to use its vaccine in the specified age group.
Post which, Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore will be able to consider giving approval for its use in the country. Note, the current age limit for the Pfizer vaccine is 12 years.
Mr Ong Ye Kung had earlier mentioned that vaccination for kids under 12 years is likely to start only next year after trials are completed and all approvals are met.
Singapore reported 1,504 new COVID cases on Thursday, which is the highest since the beginning of the pandemic. Keeping in mind the current situation, it has become all the more important to take care of young kids.
COVID In Children Under 5 Years: Symptoms To Lookout For
Coronavirus affects people in different ways. For instance, for some the symptom may be severe, while others may recover without any hospitalisation.
You can take some simple precautions to minimise the chance of being infected or from spreading it further– stay home and self-isolate. But since it is an airborne disease, sometimes, in spite of all the precautions, infections cannot be stopped.
Don’t panic, but here’s a list of all the required information.
Here are the most symptoms of COVID-19
- Cough
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Loss of taste or smell
The less common symptoms are:
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Diarrhoea
- Red eyes
- Skin rash
In case of serious symptoms
- Chest pain
- Loss of speech, or even mobility
- Difficulty in breathing
In the case of COVID in children under 5 years, parents must carefully watch the symptoms, because kids in the specified age group may not always be able to communicate their discomforts.
What Should I Do If My Child Has COVID Symptoms?
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Immediately call your child’s paediatrician if you spot any of these symptoms in your child. Share the details about the symptoms with the doctor as well as inform them or if you or your child have been in contact with an infected person. The doctor can decide whether your child:
- May need to come in for a visit
- Can be treated at home
- Should do a telehealth visit or a video call
If the doctor recommends you go for a swab test, here are some numbers, which will come in handy.
Certis hotline: 63805072
MOH QF: 67104022
MOH ART: 6876 5830
Do note that if you are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pains, palpitations difficulties in breathing, please call 995 immediately.
Encourage other family members to follow all the required COVID-19 safety precautions. For instance, mask up, keep your house clean, and wash your hands well with soap and water. Stay safe!
Source: The Strait Times, WHO
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