MICHIGAN (WPBN/WGTU) -- More than 375 children under the age of 12 become infected with COVID-19 each day, according to a new report.
In the MI COVID Response Data and Modeling Update, about 30 pediatric patients are hospitalized every day and half have no known underlying health conditions.
K-12 schools in Michigan have reported 364 outbreaks and clusters with 104 schools impacted by lost school time from illness or quarantine since September 7, 2021, according to the report.
The report includes statewide and regional statistics on the impact of COVID-19 on the younger population.
“It is sobering to read that even one child has been directly impacted by COVID-19,” said Dr. Josh Meyerson, Medical Director of the Health Department of Northwest Michigan. “The pandemic has impacted so much of their lives and it’s been going on for almost two years now...impacting their schooling, their family life, their free time, and especially their health,” he added about the report which was released October 5.
Between Oct. 1-14, 2021, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan has reported 932 total new cases (Antrim- 213; Charlevoix- 197; Emmet-263; Otsego-259) of COVID-19.
Age distribution
- 0-12 years old- 83 new cases
- 13-19 years old- 144 new cases
- 20-29 years old- 104 new cases
- 30-39 years old- 130 new cases
- 40-49 years old- 105 new cases
- 50-59 years old- 128 new cases
- 60-69 years old- 103 new cases
- 70-79 years old- 80 new cases
- 80+ years old- 44 new cases
Symptomatic – 68.6% of cases, Asymptomatic – 7.2% of cases, and unknown symptom status – 24.4% of cases
Recovered – 387 new recovered
Hospitalized – 4 new hospitalizations
Health Department of Northwest Michigan officials said the one take-away from the report is that prevention measures in K-12 schools - such as vaccinations, correct and consistent use if well-fitted masks that cover the nose and mouth, physical distancing, screening and testing, and effective ventilation - are effective against transmission of the virus.