Covid-19 in Gujarat: Children account for just 2% of cases, 0.2% of deaths

AHMEDABAD: Of the Covid-19 cases recorded in Gujarat, about 2% had patients in 0 to 14 years age group, according to the state health department statistics, which is about 19,000 cases over the past 18 months. Of this, only 0.1% or 20 persons died in this age group in Gujarat. Of the total deaths (10,091), the share of patients below 15 years is 0.2%, statistics show. In fact, this group had the lowest death rate of all age groups.
According to senior officials, the number reduced further after the second wave – as the Delta variant saw many cases where the entire families including children were infected. Experts said that across the globe, opening schools have led to small but insignificant spikes, but this should not deter parents from sending kids to school especially when almost everything else has opened up.
City-based paediatricians said that the norm currently followed indicate the potential role of children as carriers of virus if they come in contact with any infected person. While the child may not even show any symptoms, he or she may carry it, but when the school staff and parents are fully vaccinated, it greatly reduces chances of spread. “On top of it, masks and social distancing provide an excellent cover. The classes must be well-ventilated and there must be less children than capacity. Non-sharing of water and meals and avoidance of assemblies can reduce risk,” said a city-based paediatrician.