CITIZENS FOR KEVIN SHEEHY issued the following announcement on May 13.
hildren are not substantially contributing to the spread of Covid-19 in their households or in schools, according to the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa).
Its findings in analysis of latest global research are likely to inform the National Public Health Emergency Team’s position on re-opening schools, particularly at primary level.
At the early stage of the pandemic there were fears that children were vectors in transmitting the disease, but Hiqa deputy chief executive and director of health technology assessment, Dr Máirín Ryan said there was nothing to indicate children transmit the virus at a substantially higher level compared to other age categories.
In its latest evaluations of research to assist NPHET’s response to Covid-19, Hiqa also conclude there is lack of clear evidence as to whether long-term immunity is possible with Covid-19.
On the issue of young people, Dr Ryan said: “While the evidence is limited, it appears that children are not substantially contributing to the spread of Covid-19 in their household or in schools.”
While there is high transmission of Covid-19 among adults aged 25 years or older, she pointed out one study which showed transmission is lower in younger people particularly in those under 14 years of age.
An Australian study that examined potential spread from 18 confirmed (nine students and nine staff) cases to over 800 close contacts in 15 different schools found that no teacher or staff member contracted Covid-19 from any of the initial school cases.
Original source here.
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