A study from the University of the Philippines (UP) determined that coronavirus infection is affecting young people more in the Philippines. The study mention that youngsters below the age of 20 might be inclined to transmit the coronavirus infection to older members of their family or surroundings if restrictions on physical interactions are lifted.
The UP Pandemic Response Team noticed that the Philippines have majority of the young population. The social and physical interactions of the youngsters below 20 years old are more among all the age groups. The study reveals that the physical interaction among 20 years old and below is 56%, compared to only 1% among those aged 60 and over. They also found that 49% of the physical interaction of people age 60 and above happens with the age group of those 20 years and below.
The study concludes that the youngsters aged 0-20 have the most active physical interaction with all age groups, especially with the old age crowd. In consequence of that, they are likely to bring the infection home from school or other social contacts. The study found that about 97% of COVID-19 positives are of the age group 5-20. They have been labelled as potential silent carriers because most of the young ages are asymptomatic or show mild symptoms of COVID-19.
The study determined that during the enhanced community quarantine the transmission intensity of the virus in older adults were relatively less than the younger individuals.
For the management of this life-threatening disease, the team called the Inter-Agency Task Force. They limit the physical interactions of the senior citizens among their as well as other age groups to avoid getting infected with COVID-19.
For the smooth implementation of stay-at-home orders, the experts proposed the creation of new guidelines. Also, to limit the social and physical interaction of young people, the team suggested the schools under ECQ areas should remain shut while those under general community quarantine can operate with a flexible schedule.
