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NEW YORK (AP) The increasing coronavirus numbers in New York state are bringing with them a new warning about an alarming increase in hospitalizations of children, especially of unvaccinated children. This is despite the fact that the state boasts a high level of vaccination for adults.
The Friday’s warning from the New York State Department of Health about a “striking rise” in admissions to hospitals for children was released a day later in the same day that many New York City coronavirus testing centres were closed for Christmas.
A health advisory noted that the recent fourfold increase in admissions that started the week of December. 5 are most prevalent in New York City and the surrounding areas in which the highly contagious omicron variant was rapidly spreading.
“The dangers of COVID-19 for children are real,” acting State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said in a release.
“We are bringing awareness to New Yorkers of this shocking increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations so that pediatricians, parents and guardians take immediate steps to safeguard our smallest New Yorkers. We must utilize all available safe and effective methods of infection control, prevention and mitigation strategies,” she said.
Basset said that parents must protect children aged 5 and over by getting them fully vaccinated. Children under 5 can be protected by making sure they have been vaccinated with their friends.
Friday’s governor was Governor. Kathy Hochul boasted in a coronavirus update briefing about the state’s high rates of vaccination, saying that 95% New Yorkers have received at least one vaccine.
She also disclosed that the number of infections climbed to 44,000 on Thursday, which is a record for a single day. However, these numbers have not translated into an increase in hospitalizations or deaths, though these numbers are often indicators that are not as accurate.
The words were spoken as New Yorkers struggled be tested for coronavirus. Many sites were shut on Saturday, and the kits were are in short supply. The desperateness was evident during the giveaway of free home coronavirus test kits in an Brooklyn neighborhood where police had to be summoned to calm an angry crowd who were disappointed when the supply was gone.
The state health department’s advisory later on Friday painted the children with a grimer picture.
It said that no child aged 5 to 11 years old was admitted to a COVID-19-related hospital last Sunday.
It said that only 25% of the 12- to 17-year-olds admitted to the hospital were fully immunized.
“These shocking trends highlight the critical importance of protecting our children from COVID-19. The advisory stated that the Department encourages parents and guardians to ensure that their children fully vaccinated as soon possible for all children five and above.
