Children getting asymptomatic Covid, masks advised: Centre

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 18

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The government on Tuesday said children aged 10 years and above must wear masks and practice social distancing in the face of the growing evidence that kids can get asymptomatic Covid-19 disease and can also transmit the virus.

Member, Health, NITI Aayog, officially acknowledged for the first time on Tuesday that children are getting asymptomatic Covid infection which is transmissible and noted that self-protection and homecare principles valid for Covid prevention in adults were equally valid for children.

He said Bharat Biotech made COVAXIN trials in children will also begin in 10 to 12 days and a vaccine strategy will also be in place soon.

“It is well known that Covid-19 in younger children is symptomatic. Young people in general are asymptomatic and symptoms appear as age increases. This is global knowledge. The December serosurvey of ICMR which covered children above 10 years showed 20 to 22 pc sero-prevalence, the same level in adults,” Paul said.

He said Covid is asymptomatic in children but they can transmit.

“Responses to disease in children are the same—Covid appropriate behaviour and self care. 10- to 11-year-olds must also wear masks, practice distancing. Clinical protocol for children is already available. We are watching the situation,” Paul noted.