MARGARETVILLE, NY (WSKG)—Steuben County has seen a recent increase in COVID-19 cases among children under 11 years old.
In the past week, the highest number of Steuben’s daily positives was often in children under 11. For example, of a total of 150 new cases on Tuesday more than 30 were in children under 11.
“Right now, we are seeing a lot of kids getting sick, but we’re seeing whole families getting sick,” said Lorelei Wagner, Steuben County Public HealthEducation Coordinator. “So, if one person in the family gets it, we are seeing that the whole family, or the majority of the family, tends to get it.”
Wagner said there have been no hospitalizations among these children, but the children who have tested positive now often experience symptoms.
“Last year, when everything really started way, way back, there was this myth that kids can’t get it, and kids can’t spread it,” said Wagner. “And that’s obviously been proven way false.”
Wagner said the health department is concerned over the rise in cases, especially when so many kids are returning to school, but they are hopeful schools will follow guidelines to keep spread down.
Children under 12 are not currently eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Wagner said the health department in Steuben County is encouraging residents who are eligible to get the vaccine.