Newsnight has been given exclusive access to the first results from a study into Covid-19 antibodies in children, which will help shed light on whether they transmit the virus. Subscribe to our channel here:
What’s the infection rate of Covid-19 amongst children?
Researchers at the Oxford Vaccine Group, part of the University of Oxford, want to find out what percentage of children in England have Covid-19 antibodies to get a sense of how many children are getting infected with the virus and how they might spread it.
Newsnight has been given exclusive access to their first results. Researchers found 3 to 4 per cent of children tested positive for antibodies, showing they have had the virus. Fewer than 10% with detectable antibodies had any symptoms.
Schools in England have been closed since March as there isn’t a clear enough understanding of whether pupils will harbour and transmit Covid-19 more widely. This research will help inform policy for schools in England to re-open in September.
Our health correspondent Deb Cohen reports.
Newsnight is the BBC’s flagship news and current affairs TV programme – with analysis, debate, exclusives, and robust interviews.
Website:
Twitter:
Facebook:
