(Image source from: abc.net.au)

CDC USA says that children of minority communities are at higher risk of death due to COVID-19 especially the ones with underlying conditions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday issued its weekly mortality and morbidity report which showed shocking results.

The United States continues to be the worst affected country due to COVID-19 and more than 1,95,000 people have lost their lives to coronavirus to date.

COVID-19 in the children of the USA are also being found in large numbers and the mortality rate, however, is disproportionate.

According to the CDC, COVID-19 is majorly killing the minor children or the children from various communities like Blacks, Hispanic, American Indians, or Alaska descents.

The federal report that is issued by the CDC weekly shows how the devastation among the Hispanic adults and other communities is being carried out to their offsprings. The report also noted that the children with underlying conditions are falling prey to the virus.

What does the report say?

Around 1,95,000 people in the US have lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Out of every 120 people who succumbed to the virus who were under the age of 21, 3 out of 4 of them were Hispanic, Black, American Indians, or Alaska descents according to the CDC.

As per the report, Hispanics accounted for almost 45 percent of the COVID deaths in America and the Black people accounted for 29 percent.

Why are the findings crucial?

To date as per certain reports, children are known to be less risky for the coronavirus. However, this report from the CDC comes as an alert to the US government that is giving a nod to reopening the schools amid COVID-19.

CDC suggests that some children may be at higher risk than the adults for COVID-19.

Health departments in collaboration with the schools can re-evaluate their measures of prevention and improve healthcare, and health equity for children, adolescents, and young adults according to the agency.

The CDC further added that the children, parents, caregivers, and guardians must be given clear instructions on measures to prevent the infection and monitor the care that is being given to the COVID-19 affected children.

Why are the minority children at higher risk?

According to the agency, minority children are disproportionately placed in the families of the workers in the country.

The workers cannot be at home and had to go to work daily to earn their bread and butter even during the peak of COVID-19. This can not only put them at higher risk but also their children.

Differences in social factors for minorities like crowded living and racial discrimination are likely contributing to racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 too.

Officials from UNESCO and WHO have already raised their concerns over reopening the schools without vaccine being rolled out.

Routine vaccinations and regular doctor checkups for the children are also on hold due to the pandemic which is soaring the seriousness of contracting COVID-19 mainly among children.

By Gayatri Yellayi