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A nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations fueled by the highly contagious delta variant worries many about the most vulnerable as restrictions are being lifted. Parents of young children who aren’t yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines wonder what the delta variant means for their families.
As parents have been preparing for camp, vacations, and the school year ahead, families are concerned about how safe their summer or fall plans may be for their kids. Jennifer L. Lighter, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Ƶ Health, says the delta variant, while it is “certainly more contagious,” doesn’t appear to be more dangerous to children than other variants.
When deciding about summer camps, vacations, and playdates, parents should feel empowered to ask questions about vaccination statuses, safety protocols, and should continue to social distance and wear masks in crowded indoor places to keep their family’s risk low. Stay on the lookout for symptoms and get tested if you can.
“Parents should try to find out the COVID-19 protocols of a camp, such as what symptom screening or testing it is doing, what its mask policies are for indoor and outdoor activities, and the vaccination policies for its staff,” Dr. Lighter tells NBC News. “Camps where staff members are vaccinated and those that have policies like encouraging masks indoors will reduce the risk for unvaccinated children.”
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