My Authors
Read all threads
(1/17) Updated thread on #children and #COVID19, summarising recent studies.

Summary: there is mounting evidence that children are as likely to be infected as adults; some children can experience severe illness.
#auspol #edutwitter #Kinder #kinderen
(2/17) First, a recap. Studies in this sub-thread provide evidence that some children can experience severe disease, can shed infectious virus, can likely infect others, and for the effectiveness of school closures.
(3/17) There is growing evidence that children and adults are at equal risk of infection with the novel coronavirus. Some studies which have suggested otherwise have some important caveats.
(4/17) This study from China found that children were less likely to be infected than adults in households. However, all household members were promptly quarantined away from their home when a case was detected.
(5/17) In contrast, more recent studies show that in the absence of strict quarantine measures, children and adults seem to be at a similar risk.
(6/17) Data from China showing no difference in the proportion of children and adults infected with the novel coronavirus.
(7/17) Data from Switzerland showing no difference in the proportion of children and adults infected with the novel coronavirus.
(8/17) Data from Germany showing no difference in the proportion of children and adults infected with the novel coronavirus.
(9/17) Data from the UK showing no difference in the proportion of children and adults infected with the novel coronavirus.
(10/17) We have also witnessed the emergence of a new Kawasaki-like illness (now called paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome - #PIMS) in children.
(11/17) Data from the UK show that the Kawasaki-like illness affecting children likely results from infection with the novel coronavirus.
(12/17) The incidence of Kawasaki-like illness in children has increased 30-fold in Bergamo, Italy.
(13/17) It's very important to note that this syndrome appears to be rare. However, it does show that we don't yet fully understand all of the risks associated with the novel coronavirus.
(14/17) While it now seems likely that children and adults are at equal risk of infection with the novel coronavirus, we don't yet know how readily children transmit the virus to others. Previous research (linked to at the start of this thread) has shown this is possible however.
(15/17) In regions where there is ongoing community transmission of the novel coronavirus, the evidence suggests that reopening schools could increase the spread of the virus, both in the school and the wider community.
(16/17) It would therefore seem sensible to first ascertain that the risk of community transmission is low (for example, by random testing of the population), before considering reopening schools.
(17/17) If schools reopen in regions with a low risk of community transmission, measures should be taken to protect teachers and students. This could include wearing masks, rearranged seating, increased ventilation, and staggering of classes.
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to force a refresh.

Enjoying this thread?

Keep Current with Dr Zoë Hyde

Profile picture

Stay in touch and get notified when new unrolls are available from this author!

Read all threads

This Thread may be Removed Anytime!

Twitter may remove this content at anytime, convert it as a PDF, save and print for later use!

Try unrolling a thread yourself!

how to unroll video

1) Follow Thread Reader App on Twitter so you can easily mention us!

2) Go to a Twitter thread (series of Tweets by the same owner) and mention us with a keyword "unroll" @threadreaderapp unroll

You can practice here first or read more on our help page!

Follow Us on Twitter!

Did Thread Reader help you today?

Support us! We are indie developers!


This site is made by just two indie developers on a laptop doing marketing, support and development! Read more about the story.

Become a Premium Member ($3.00/month or $30.00/year) and get exclusive features!

Become Premium

Too expensive? Make a small donation by buying us coffee ($5) or help with server cost ($10)

Donate via Paypal Become our Patreon

Thank you for your support!