JOSEPH ROUSE,
Westfield Health Director
JUANITA CARNES,
Chair, Westfield Board of Health
By Juanita Carnes FNP, Board of Health chair and Joe Rouse, health director
As the world turns during the pandemic…… COVID-19 cases and deaths are decreasing in some areas and rising in others. US posted an average of 54,000 new cases per day last week, down 20% from the prior week. Hospitalizations are down 9%. Total confirmed cases has reached 32 million with over 571 thousand deaths. More than 235 million doses of the vaccine have been administered (98 million fully vaccinated). Pictures on the news of the sick in India are deeply disturbing. In Westfield this week, we have 33 (37 last week) new confirmed cases, 46 (53 last week) active cases in isolation and 0 deaths. By no means is this pandemic over. In the US, more and more adults are vaccinated, governments are decreasing regulations and individuals commitment to public health measures is waning. We need to continue with Public Health Guidelines and consider the needs of children. Children are only protected when adults do their part. A full return to normal life is premature.
Because it has been reported that children are not getting as sick and are not dying as rapidly as adults, it has made us more complacent. We cannot disregard what this virus is capable of, especially to children with underlying health conditions and disabilities. Hundreds of children have died and many are enduring long term COVID effects. Until children are vaccinated, they and many adults are at risk.
Total US Child COVID-19 cases are reported at 3,711,075. Over 13,500 US children have been hospitalized, 296 reported deaths and 2,600 developed Multi System Inflammatory Syndrome (33 of them dead). Dr. Rachel Walensky, CDC director sites that the US is seeing increased cases linked to Youth Sports. 79,886 new child COVID-19 cases were reported last week. This is not indicative of school-based transmission per Dr. Anthony Fauci. He states, “Team sports where kids are getting together without masks are driving it.”
The more contagious variants are making it higher risk also. The virus spreads person to person via droplets when talking, coughing or sneezing. To a lesser extent, it is possible to be infected through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Remember, these children are NOT vaccinated. Emphasis should be placed on the ability to reduce and limit contact between players, spectators and others. Sports are physically and emotionally healthy for children. Unfortunately during this pandemic, they create an increased risk of spreading the virus while playing close-contact or indoor sports.
The CDC offers guidelines for Youth Sports:
*Wear a mask. Have extra masks. Always change mask if mask gets wet. Masks are more important when physical distancing is difficult.
*Play outside
*Social distance. Limit close contact. Limit number of participants
*Avoid crowding. Avoid groups forming before and after practices and games. Provide physical distancing guidelines. Limit essential visitors. Ask parents to help adhere to guidelines.
*Modify play
*Focus on individual skill building or conditioning instead of competition.
*Decrease number of competitions.
*Clean and disinfect all equipment, objects and surfaces before and after each use. If possible have adequate supplies and dedicated equipment for each player.
*Minimize locker room use.
*Discourage hugs, high fives and fist bumps.
*If a player tests positive, it is recommended that the entire team quarantine. Consult local health department as each situation is unique. It is also highly recommended that any child who is infected see their pediatrician for a full exam before returning to play.
The CDC Guidelines above are general recommendations, Massachusetts provides guidelines for “Youth and Amateur Sports Activities” that offers some more specifics for individual sports. League organizers and facilities are responsible for making sure the guidance is followed. It is expected that the Youth and Amateur Sports Activities guidance will be modified again this month.
Vaccine trials for children are happening now. American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all eligible 16-year-olds and older get vaccinated as soon as possible. COVID-19 vaccine is our best HOPE for ending the pandemic. Until it is available for our children, we must adhere to public health guidelines to curb the spread and protect our youth. Take care of yourself and someone else.
Dedicated health department members who have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic are: Debra Mulvenna RN, Assistant Director Evelyn Bristol RN, Steve Cipriani, Health Inspector Thomas Hibert, Health Inspector Cheryl McMordie, Office Manager Crystal Dugay, Kathi Cotugno, CORE coordinator Other Board Members: Margaret Doody, Stan Strzempko MD WE KEEP WORKING TO KEEP YOU SAFE Wear your mask. Wash your hands. Keep your distance. Avoid gatherings. Stay home. Save lives. Look for us in next Saturday’s edition.
