Photo: File/Real America News
On the second anniversary of the first confirmed case of covid-19 in Los Angeles County , and when it seemed that the Omicron variant gave us a break with a decrease in the number of infections and hospitalizations, the health authorities announced this week the death of a baby of 11 months.
In total, the California Department of Health has reported 49 deaths of minors since the pandemic began.
“This is the youngest Los Angeles resident to die of covid since the pandemic began, which is a reminder that this virus can have devastating results among the most vulnerable, including young children who are still are not eligible for vaccinations”, the health authorities said.
Measures put in place by county schools and public health have resulted in fewer cases among students and staff.
During the week ending 16 of January, the schools confirmed 40,694 positive cases, with a rate of positivity of 7%, a 23% decrease compared to the previous week.
Despite the drop in cases, the number of schools with outbreaks of covid increased. Between 16 Y 22 from January they presented themselves 11 outbreaks, of which 9 were in primary schools, 1 in a secondary school and 1 in youth sports.
The strategy followed by schools to reduce transmissions has included the establishment of school vaccination clinics, tests and improved masks for staff.
This week the establishment of almost 190 school clinics, offering first, second and third doses. And Public Health distributed nearly 1 million home tests to school districts to facilitate response to school testing capacity.
Health Public confirmed that the 19 of January were registered 91 new cases and 20,866 new infections. Of the total deceased, 40 had underlying medical conditions.
“Ensuring safety in schools during a surge is only possible if everyone commits to fully comply with public health measures such as use of a high-quality face mask both indoors and outdoors,” said Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer.
He added that frequent testing can help identify asymptomatic people before they have a chance to spread it to others.
That’s why he called parents to allow their children to participate in school testing programs. “And all those infected and exposed will need to follow quarantine and isolation rules intended to reduce school outbreaks.”
Warned that if everyone doesn’t work together to minimize exposures, there could be more disruption affecting school communities across the county.
According to Public Health, the 81% of 5-year eligible residents for above, have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and the 72% are fully vaccinated.
Only the 32% has had a booster shot. Of the total of . 3 million inhabitants of the county, the 77% he has received a dose, on 69% is fully vaccinated and the 30% are vaccinated and reinforced.
The vaccination rate among children aged 5 to 11 years remains low, with only the 20% who have received at least one dose and only the 20% is fully vaccinated.
Ferrer said that the low vaccination rate among children “creates significant vulnerability to spread of the virus”.
During a forum with medical chiefs from different hospitals in the state, California Senator Alex Padilla , said his priority has been to support a full recovery from the pandemic as a senator and as a father.
“I am very happy that my three children have been vaccinated. The largest with his two vaccines and the booster; and the two youngest came at the end of last year to put it on, when it was approved for children 5 years and older”.
He added that his children were so happy to get vaccinated because they waited so long.
“With this vaccine, children have been able to return to the activities they love, such as being with their friends, playing and visiting their grandparents without worrying of the virus”.
He pointed out that scientists have proven that the vaccine is safe and effective for children, and is the most effective way to protect their health, that of their families and communities.
“If your children have not been vaccinated, make your appointment now, get vaccinated, vaccinate your children and help your friends to make the appointment to be vaccinated so that everyone can do our part and arrive at the end of this pandemic.”
Dr. Grace Lee of Stanford Children’s Hospital (Stanford Children’s Health), said that the best way to protect minors from covid, in addition to the vaccine, continue with hand washing and social distance.
“All these layers put together add to the protection, but the most important thing is the vaccine”.