Spread trend of Corona 19/flu/RSV centered on students
Booster vaccination rates for under 17 years of age are lower than for adults
There are no clear guidelines and the use of masks varies
New York City Department of Education to close coronavirus control room
Parental anxiety is growing as the ‘Triple Demic’, in which Corona 19 and influenza/respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are prevalent at the same time, spreads among children and adolescents. As regulations are not strict against various respiratory infections, Korean parents want their children to wear masks to school. However, in most cases, wearing a mask is recommended, and guidelines vary by region and school, prompting complaints from parents.
According to the New York City Department of Health on the 21st, the spread of COVID-19 infection in the past month has been strong, especially among students. Adolescents aged 13 to 17 were infected with about 114 people out of 100,000 a month ago, but since 10, the number of people infected per 100,000 has increased to 213. For children aged 5 to 12, the number of infections per 100,000 people was 73.84 a month ago, but has recently risen to 145.54. Adults over the age of 35 are at odds with the fact that the number of infected people surged and then peaked earlier this month.
One reason children are particularly vulnerable is the low vaccination rate compared to adults. In New York City, the additional booster vaccination rate for children ages 5 to 17 is 16.1%, which is lower than the vaccination rate for adults age 18 and older (47.7% ).
There are many cases in which year-end gatherings have been canceled due to the proliferation of children and young people. Lee Ye-jin (40) said, “I decided to have an end-of-year party with my pupils after a long time, but ended up canceling it because my friend’s children weren’t feeling well.”
However, the COVID-19 guidelines for each region are different. Persake County, New Jersey announced that starting on the 21st, masks will be required to be worn in all public schools. Bergen county also has a “high” prevalence of Corona 19, but masks are still optional. New York City recommends wearing a mask indoors, but it’s not mandatory. The city’s education department has also decided to close the situation room that identifies cases of the spread of Corona 19 in public schools and informs parents. Ms. Jeong, 46, a parent who lives in Bayside, Queens, said, “Even though I go to school with symptoms, no one checks, so most of the kids in my class are coughing.”
Journalist Kim Eun-byeol
