What did Health experts says

Dr Chandrakant Lahariya, a physician-epidemiologist and public health specialist said, “We need to remember that the (news of) children contracting Covid is getting some attention because schools are open.

“However, even when schools were closed an estimated 70 to 90 per cent of children had already got the infection as we know through various seroprevalence surveys.” It is known that children are as susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection just like adults. But COVID infections among children are mild and mostly asymptomatic, he asserted.At this stage of the pandemic, empowered with scientific and epidemiological knowledge and understanding, COVID-19 infection should not be a concern. The outcome of the infection should be criteria for decision making,” Dr Lahariya said.

Additional Director General of ICMR Samiran Panda pointed out that global evidence suggests schools as “non-drivers” of Coivd transmission in the community.

Consistent and appropriate use of masks, implementation of a standard protocol for sanitization and hand washing must be practised by students and school staff alike, he said.

While masks are not recommended for children under five years, six to 11-year-olds may wear a mask depending on their ability to use them safely and appropriately. Those aged 12 years and above should wear masks under the same conditions as adults, Dr Panda saidThis situation has not altered with the emergence of any subsequent variant. Even with new variants children continue to be at low risk. There is no reason to be concerned about some reports of a few children testing Covid positive in a few schools, the doctor said.

“At this stage of the pandemic, empowered with scientific and epidemiological knowledge and understanding, COVID-19 infection should not be a concern. The outcome of the infection should be criteria for decision making,” Dr Lahariya said.
Additional Director General of ICMR Samiran Panda pointed out that global evidence suggests schools as “non-drivers” of Coivd transmission in the community.

Consistent and appropriate use of masks, implementation of a standard protocol for sanitization and hand washing must be practised by students and school staff alike, he said.

While masks are not recommended for children under five years, six to 11-year-olds may wear a mask depending on their ability to use them safely and appropriately. Those aged 12 years and above should wear masks under the same conditions as adults, Dr Panda said.This situation has not altered with the emergence of any subsequent variant. Even with new variants children continue to be at low risk. There is no reason to be concerned about some reports of a few children testing Covid positive in a few schools, the doctor said.

“At this stage of the pandemic, empowered with scientific and epidemiological knowledge and understanding, COVID-19 infection should not be a concern. The outcome of the infection should be criteria for decision making,” Dr Lahariya said.
Additional Director General of ICMR Samiran Panda pointed out that global evidence suggests schools as “non-drivers” of Coivd transmission in the community.

Consistent and appropriate use of masks, implementation of a standard protocol for sanitization and hand washing must be practised by students and school staff alike, he said.

While masks are not recommended for children under five years, six to 11-year-olds may wear a mask depending on their ability to use them safely and appropriately. Those aged 12 years and above should wear masks under the same conditions as adults, Dr Panda said.This situation has not altered with the emergence of any subsequent variant. Even with new variants children continue to be at low risk. There is no reason to be concerned about some reports of a few children testing Covid positive in a few schools, the doctor said.

“At this stage of the pandemic, empowered with scientific and epidemiological knowledge and understanding, COVID-19 infection should not be a concern. The outcome of the infection should be criteria for decision making,” Dr Lahariya said.

Additional Director General of ICMR Samiran Panda pointed out that global evidence suggests schools as “non-drivers” of Coivd transmission in the community.

Consistent and appropriate use of masks, implementation of a standard protocol for sanitization and hand washing must be practised by students and school staff alike, he said.

While masks are not recommended for children under five years, six to 11-year-olds may wear a mask depending on their ability to use them safely and appropriately. Those aged 12 years and above should wear masks under the same conditions as adults, Dr Panda said.This situation has not altered with the emergence of any subsequent variant. Even with new variants children continue to be at low risk. There is no reason to be concerned about some reports of a few children testing Covid positive in a few schools, the doctor said.

“At this stage of the pandemic, empowered with scientific and epidemiological knowledge and understanding, COVID-19 infection should not be a concern. The outcome of the infection should be criteria for decision making,” Dr Lahariya said.

Additional Director General of ICMR Samiran Panda pointed out that global evidence suggests schools as “non-drivers” of Coivd transmission in the community.

Consistent and appropriate use of masks, implementation of a standard protocol for sanitization and hand washing must be practised by students and school staff alike, he said.

While masks are not recommended for children under five years, six to 11-year-olds may wear a mask depending on their ability to use them safely and appropriately. Those aged 12 years and above should wear masks under the same conditions as adults, Dr Panda said.