Covid-19 high among 5-11 years old due to Delta, Omicron

Prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increased among the pediatric population in Baguio City which is being attributed to the more transmissible Delta and Omicron variants of concern.

Data analysis from the City Health Services Office and the University of the Philippines Baguio – Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, a total of 1,795 children aged 5 to 11 years old were infected with COVID-19 from March 2020 to February 8, 2022.

Highest cases for the 5 to 11 age group were noted during the Delta surge of COVID-19 in the city on September last year at 498 followed by 318 cases last month with the Omicron wave.

Despite measures to restrict the movement of minors to home, infection among children cannot be abated due to home and workplace transmission according to City Health Services Officer Dr. Rowena Galpo.

The CHSO and UP Baguio – DMCS data emphasize that minors are an at-risk population, more so that vaccination for this age group is only about to roll-out outside the National Capital Region.

Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong reminded adherence to minimum public health standards as a proactive response to protect the vulnerable age group from COVID-19. – Jessa Samidan