With the lifting of coronavirus restrictions, state administrations are looking forward to reopen schools, colleges and other educational institutes. Amid this reopening of the country, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has suggested to open primary schools first as children can handle infection better.
Today, July 20, ICMR DG Dr. Balram Bhargava said “there is evidence that implies children can handle Covid infection better than adults. Antibody exposure is also similar in children as adults.”
According to the latest national sero survey conducted by ICMR in June-July, over one-third of the population does not possess Covid antibodies. This means over 40 crore individuals are exposed to infection. On the other hand, 67.6% of India’s population above 6 years has been found to have SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Over 85 percent of surveyed healthcare workers had antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, with one-tenth of them remained unvaccinated.
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The Sero survey was conducted out on 28,975 people, including children, and 7,252 healthcare staff in 70 areas.
ICMR further said that there is scientific evidence that suggests children are at no risk. As per research, the virus attaches to receptors called ACE-2 present in the lungs. In children, these receptors are not fully developed, hence even after infection serious symptoms do not occur in children.
Over 30,000 new cases have been reported in India in the last 24 hours. Now, the total caseload stands at 31,174,322 and the death toll at 414,482.