Can children spread the novel coronavirus to others? Can children carry COVID-19 with them without showing symptoms? Yes, experts said.
Dr. Lara Shekerdemian, chief of critical care at Texas Children’s Hospital, told USA Today that children can carry COVID-19 with them.
“I think the answer is conclusively, without a doubt — yes.”
She told USA Today surveillance screening revealed a higher percentage of children carrying the coronavirus and not showing symptoms.
And not showing symptoms doesn’t mean that the kids don’t carry.
“The lack of symptoms doesn’t mean you don’t transmit it.”
“There’s no doubt they can be asymptomatic. Do they carry (the virus) more often than adults? That’s a hard one to answer. There isn’t enough surveillance going on in the community.”
Last week, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued guidance that said school districts should try to get children back in school. This is different than a full recommendation to reopen schools, according to The Washington Post.
Schools are fundamental to child and adolescent development and well-being and provide our children and adolescents with academic instruction, social and emotional skills, safety, reliable nutrition, physical/speech and mental health therapy, and opportunities for physical activity, among other benefits. Beyond supporting the educational development of children and adolescents, schools play a critical role in addressing racial and social inequity. ...
With the above principles in mind, the AAP strongly advocates that all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school. The importance of in-person learning is well-documented, and there is already evidence of the negative impacts on children because of school closures in the spring of 2020.
Dr. Beth Galla, of Oberlin Road Pediatrics, told WRAL that parents will have to make choices based on the health of their child and family.
That can include emotional, mental and physical health, Galla said.
“We want parents to feel like if the least amount of stress for their children or for them is in fact going to the classroom, then they should not fear that they are not putting their child, themselves or teachers at risk,” Galla said.