UP-OCTA warns below 18's may become superspreaders if age restrictions ease

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 1:52 PM by Stacy dela Fuente

- The OCTA research group warned of the possibility that those below 18 years old may become supercarriers

- This was in response to the possibility of easing age restrictions in Manila, as well as following the recommendation of the NEDA to place the entire country under MGCQ

- A representative from OCTA said that they do understand that it is for economic reasons but at the same time, the vaccine cannot yet be given to the younger members of the population

- The OCTA member said that previous research indicated that young ones were said to be more susceptible to the new UK variant

PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed

The UP-OCTA research group is warning against the possibility of easing age restrictions in the country and allowing those below 18 years and below to go out.

Read also

Pres. Duterte mulling over possibility of putting entire PH under MGCQ by March

In Inquirer's report, Dr Guido David said that these young ones can become not only carriers but supercarriers.

UP-OCTA warns below 18's may become superspreaders if age restrictions ease — Photo: Pixabay
Source: UGC

He said that a study indicated that the young ones are more susceptible to the UK variant.

Although he said that he understands the economic reasons behind it, he still noted that they could be superspreaders. When asked about the recommendation of letting those aged five to 70 go out of their homes, he said such is very surprising because it is difficult to let them follow health protocols.

A CDC report previously stated that an example of a superspreader event is a gathering.

PAY ATTENTION: Shop with KAMI! The best offers and discounts on the market, product reviews and feedbacks.

PAY ATTENTION: Don't miss the hottest Philippine news and celebrity gossip! Follow KAMI.com.ph on Twitter!

The COVID-19 outbreak started out in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. Scientists believed that the virus came from an animal at one of Wuhan's wet markets. The Philippines has slowly eased quarantine measures and Filipinos are starting to adapt to the new normal.

Read also

COVID-19 could last for a long-time even with worldwide vaccine rollout

PAY ATTENTION: Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news!

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte is now weighing the pros and cons of the possibility of putting the entire Philippines under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) by March. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque revealed this during Tuesday's briefing. He said that the President is studying it at the moment and will be discussing it with Cabinet officials in the next Cabinet meeting. The Inter-Agency Task Force supported the recommendation of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and it will be discussed with the President on the 22nd.

With regards to the COVID-19 vaccines, Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto took to Twitter to orient the public and give a warning to everyone about fake COVID-19 vaccines. He showed the photo of the fake vaccines and told the public not to buy. He indicated signs that show why such vaccines were fake, saying that even in the picture, one could already see that they're fake. The Pasig Mayor also said that the purchase of the vaccines must go through the government for everyone's safety.