Following the recent news of the potential severity of coronavirus symptoms in children, its now been revealed that over 367 children in Singapore have reportedly been infected with COVID-19.
According to the Senior Minister of State for Health, Janil Puthucheary–who shared the statistics in Parliament on Tuesday (14 September)–this includes 172 paediatric cases infected with the Delta variant of the virus.
Over 300 Children In Singapore Infected With COVID-19
Image source: iStock
Overall, children below 12 years old account for 0.6 per cent out of the total local infected cases in Singapore. This number was shared by Dr Puthucheary with the Members of Parliament including Dr Tan Wu Meang (PAP-Jurong) and Mr Yip Hon Weng (PAP-Yio Chu Kang).
As per the data presented to the Parliament, here are the number of cases in each age group.
- 50 cases were aged zero to one year
- 83 cases were aged 2 to 4 years old
- 76 cases were aged 5 to 6 years old
- 158 cases were aged 7 to 12 years old
As for Covid symptoms in these children, none of them developed a severe illness that would require oxygen supplementation or ICU care.
It is known that children under the age of 12 are not eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in Singapore. But Health Minister Ong Ye Kung had previously stated that vaccinations for children can start early next year. This is after trials have been completed and regulatory approval is given.
Image source: iStock
“Very Low Proportion” Of Severe Covid Symptoms In Children
According to global data, a “very low proportion” of Covid symptoms in infected children experience severe illness as compared to adults.
Dr Puthecheary noted that 0.7 per cent of infected children did fall severely ill and required intensive care in Israel. Meanwhile, this number was at 0.3 per cent in South Korea and 0.6 per cent in France.
“There is evidence suggesting that children with underlying medical conditions such as genetic neurological metabolic conditions – some degree of medical complexity – congenital heart disease, obesity, diabetes, asthma, chronic lung disease, sickle cell disease or immunosuppression might be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19,” he added as per CNA.
Reducing The Risk Of COVID-19 Transmission Among Families
While there have been no severe illnesses among children with COVID-19 in Singapore, Dr Puthucheary said that the Government remained “mindful of the rising community cases.”
They are also alert of the possibility that more children might get infected with the virus in the future.
In addition, he also listed several ways parents can minimise the risk of infection among children. Here are his suggestions:
- Maintain good hygiene
- Keep homes clean
- Wear masks when outside
- Cut back on social activities where masks need to be off
- Avoid prolonged social interactions
- Get vaccinated
Children who are immunocompromised should also take “additional precautions” including avoiding crowded places and minimising number of visitors.
News source: CNA
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