Singaporean Young Adults Now Form Majority Of Covid-19 Patients
Although senior citizens are noted to be more susceptible towards the Covid-19 virus, it doesn’t mean that the younger population is invulnerable.
Covid-19 patients aged 20-29 now form the largest demographic of infected citizens in Singapore, according to a report by The Straits Times (ST).
Young adults now form the largest group of Covid-19 patients
Source
Before being overtaken by young adults, seniors above the age of 60 made up the largest infected demographic.
Most Singaporean young adults caught Covid-19 overseas
Of Singapore’s current tally of 558 cases, 141 are between the ages of 20-29, while only 111 are above the age of 60.
According to the report, 111 of the 141 young adult cases (78%) were imported, with 68 having travel history to the United Kingdom.
This means that 30 cases are a result of local transmissions.
More young adults infected largely due to global citizen callbacks
As countries worldwide are advising their overseas citizens to return, a spike in imported cases is to be expected.
These citizens likely travelled out of the country for studies, work placements or internships.
Dean of National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health Professor Teo Yik Ying says that majority of these people are in their 20s and 30s.
Many citizens are returning to Singapore in light of the pandemic
Source
He told ST, “The number of young people being infected reflects the demographics of people returning to Singapore as a result of the global situation, where a number of countries in Europe and North America are seeing widespread community transmission.”
Being young does not mean you are invulnerable
While the elderly are reportedly more susceptible to Covid-19, this does not mean that younger people are immune.
Professor Teo stressed,
I must emphasise that Covid-19 is not a disease of the elderly. Children, as well as healthy adults, are also susceptible to it.
He said that “in terms of infection, both groups are equally at risk”.
Reminder for people of all ages to be cautious
While it is fact that young adults bounce back more easily from illnesses, they should not bank on the fact that health will always be on their side.
Even if young adults are able to recover without too much fuss, they could potentially transmit the virus to someone more susceptible, like the elderly.
Let’s remain considerate of everyone and get through this pandemic together.
Featured image adapted from TODAY Online.
