After many deadly COVID-19 mutations resulting in what came to be known as the “UK variant” and the “Indian variant” of the disease, scientists have recently claimed an additional strain of the virus called B1.617 is now being reported in Singapore. There is a conflict regarding the origin of the variant as the Singapore government currently claims the same to have originated from India, and not Singapore.
Cause Behind Panic
The primary reason behind people’s concern is the high infectious rate of the Singapore variant among children. COVID-19 trends across the world showed less severity in case of infected children. Children below the age of 18 did not fall under the high-risk category. Moreover, a majority of infected children have been asymptomatic so far.
With the coming of an unknown mutated variant, people have shown rising levels of panic and distrust in government response. Parents are demanding answers but the lack of knowledge regarding the condition has raised the alarm worldwide.
Vaccination and Protection
As we know, there is no vaccine available for children as of now. The lack of adequate research on the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on children, pregnant women and lactating women has kept the same out of the vaccination drive.
With a new dangerous variant on the rise, children are more susceptible to the lasting impact of COVID-19 symptoms.
Steps Taken by Singapore Government
Many hospitals have prepared their pediatric department for this COVID wave. The Singapore government has pledged to start its preparation on creating a new vaccine for children as well.
Although there is no confirmation from the WHO to establish a link between children and the new Coronavirus wave, the Singaporean government has shut down all the schools to protect the interests of school-going children affected by the wave.
Manisha Ray
A connoisseur of all things wonderful in life, Manisha is a literature major at Delhi University. She is a keen observer and a quiet thinker.