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Concern for Mt Morgan students as Queensland Health say children at risk with Delta Covid variant

Nearly half the new Queensland cases fall in the under-10 age bracket.

Students travel home after school. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short
Students travel home after school. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young has warned the Delta variant poses a much higher risk to young people than previous Covid variants.

When asked about the threat to Mt Morgan High School students, who visited the Rookwood Weir site while an infected “essential worker” was on site, she said she didn’t know whether there was any “direct contact”.

However, she did say the Delta variant was far more contagious among young people, whose families must take as much care as they can.

She said the Delta variant had a “close affinity” with respiratory cells and, although young children might be less likely to die from it, they were more likely to pass it on to others.

Dr Young expressed her concern not only for children but also the teachers, school staff, families and communities involved in their extra-curricular activities.

She said the healthcare system would be “destroyed” if healthcare professionals had to stay home in quarantine with their own children.

She advocated for people throughout Queensland to get tested and vaccinated, although she still doesn’t recommend the AstraZeneca vaccine for people under 18.

The latest daily transmission figures for Queensland indicate there are 10 sufferers under the age of nine, and another in their teens.

That compares to only four other cases in the 20-39 age groups.

The message from all authorities on Monday was consistent: anyone in the whole of Queensland who experiences any symptoms whatsoever should get tested.

“Don’t be comfortable,” Dr Young said.

“Don’t just assume it’s hayfever.

“Get tested.”

The government also announced a relief package for businesses in affected areas which need to stay closed during lockdowns.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/rockhampton/concern-for-mt-morgan-students-as-queensland-health-say-children-at-risk-with-delta-covid-variant/news-story/b9fdd2def1d4ee30f3f691e86f549c49