Why Young Adults Are Driving the New Coronavirus Spike

(Bloomberg’s view)-In some parts of Europe, new cases of coronavirus are creeping up again. This is by no means the second wave and the number of cases remains smaller than before, but interesting demographic patterns are beginning to emerge.

While the elderly population had the largest share of new cases early in the crisis, the younger age group is now in control. People aged 20 to 39 account for approximately 35% to 40% of new cases in England, Belgium and the Netherlands. In Spain, patients aged 15 to 29 account for more than one-fifth of new cases. The chart below shows changes using the dates when bars and pubs were reopened in each country as a boundary line to gauge changes in circumstances when restrictions were lifted.

Germany’s age breakdown looked a little different early in the pandemic, but the country is now seeing a similar trend. Globally, World Health Organization data show that the proportion of people aged 15 to 24 who have this disease has tripled over the past five months.

What’s wrong? The first possible explanation is an increase in testing. At the height of the epidemic, only very sick people (mostly the elderly) were able to get tested, but people with mild symptoms were told to survive the disease at home without diagnosis. It was With the improved ability to test the program and implement a contact tracking program, countries are catching mild and asymptomatic cases of previously uncounted young people.

However, fatigue of social distance is also a major factor, especially in age groups who do not feel at risk. Anyone near an urban green space or pub has recently seen signs. Huge groups don’t drink 1 meter (3.3 feet) away. Friends sharing cigarettes; hug and kiss when people meet for the first time in a few months. WHO called on young people all over the world to “resist the urge to the party.”

The story continues

Not surprisingly, young adults are about to return to normal life. Many twenties lived and worked in the bedrooms of cramped and rented accommodations. In the UK, the average age of a person aged 16 to 24 is about 26 square meters. Even for those who have fled to a relatively comfortable place in their parents’ home, it may still be away from their lonely companions.

The question is how to bring young people back into their programs to protect older people from infections of their families, colleagues and commuters. Asking them to resist the urge to party is not easy. In London, young urban people are much more likely to live in shared accommodations. The number of potential infections increases, especially if each housemate has a different social life.

We need more clear and consistent information. It’s not always easy to know what’s allowed and what’s not. Health authorities can also sound an alert for young Covid-19 patients who are reporting long-lasting and prolonged symptoms such as chest pain and extreme fatigue. Messaging becomes more effective by going straight to social media, where youth spend most of their time.

In Preston, a city in northern England, the blockade has just been reopened and council leaders have called on young people to “don’t kill my grandma.” Yes, such a slogan is a simple but effective way to remind everyone that we are together.

This column does not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Lara Williams manages the Bloomberg Opinion social media channels.

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