Exclusive: Australia-first study finds low transmission of COVID-19 in children
"This data is reassuring for parents who will be sending their kids back to school that is it safe to do so," Dr Laila Ibrahim, a clinician-scientist fellow at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, said."But the caveat is that children should be returning to a school environment that is safe for both children and teachers. If children are unwell, they shouldn't be going to school.
Aisling was one of the vast majority of children who tested negative to the virus, but the scare left a lasting effect on her mother. Those infected with the virus were aged from six to 18. Three of the four children with COVID-19 had recently travelled overseas, significantly increasing their risk. "The study shows hospitals are a safe place with a very low risk of being exposed to COVID-19," Dr Ibrahim said.
"You can conclude that in that period, COVID-19 was not causing much paediatric disease in that community, but you can't conclude much about the cases or the risk of hospitalisation because there were so few cases." International studies suggest children do not appear to be major spreaders of COVID-19 and do not frequently become severely ill. Deaths in children have been extremely rare.With schools across the country opening their gates, Dr Ibrahim said doctors were bracing for an influx of cases in children and adults.
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