Hipkins warns Delta outbreak affecting young, as baby under one tests positive

By ONE News/TVNZ and is republished with permission.

A child aged under one is among the Covid-19 cases in the Delta outbreak.

1 NEWS
Source: istock.com

Dr Ashley Bloomfield told the Health Select Committee Tuesday afternoon after being questioned by National’s Dr Shane Reti, who asked what the age of the youngest case was.

“Even from the data I’ve got from a few days ago, a breakdown on the first… 40 cases, our youngest case was aged under on,” Dr Bloomfield said.

“Half the ages were under 20, think that age profile may well have changed since,” Dr Bloomfield said.

The cases now far exceed 40 – today totaling 148 after 41 new cases were reported.

Ashley Bloomfield says youngest Covid community case is under 1

“At that point we had no cases who are Māori, but I understand there is at least once since then,” Dr Bloomfield said.

Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said the Delta variant was infecting younger populations “more readily than other variants of the virus and we’re seeing that in our current response”.

When asked today if thought had gone into pulling the vaccination eligibility for people aged 12 to 29 forward from September 1, Dr Bloomfield said the date would be remaining, but children aged 12-15 could get vaccinated with parents if they call the centres ahead of the appointment.

About The Author

Sometimes when a business is growing, it needs a little help.

Right now Kaniva News provides a free, politically independent, bilingual news service for readers around the world that is absolutely unique. We are the largest New Zealand-based Tongan news service, and our stories reach Tongans  wherever they are round the world. But as we grow, there are increased demands on Kaniva News for translation into Tongan on our social media accounts and for the costs associated with expansion. We believe it is important for Tongans to have their own voice and for Tongans to preserve their language, customs and heritage. That is something to which we are strongly committed. That’s why we are asking you to consider sponsoring our work and helping to preserve a uniquely Tongan point of view for our readers and listeners.

spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img

Latest news

Related news