4th Covid Sero Survey This Month, Focus On Children And Rural Areas

Sampling of children comes amid global concerns the virus is targeting kids; several countries, including Singapore, have already reported cases among younger citizens

The government will conduct a fourth national sero survey to monitor the spread of the SARS-CoV2 virus, which causes the COVID-19 disease, and prep for a potential third wave of infections. The survey - to be led by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) - will take place in June with 28,000 blood samples - 14,000 each from adults and children over the age of six - to be analysed. Apart from focusing on children, it will also focus on rural areas of the country. The sampling of children comes amid global concerns the virus is targeting kids as it mutates; several countries, including Singapore, have already reported cases among younger citizens. Last month authorities were alarmed after 8,000 children and teenagers tested positive for COVID-19 in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar, accounting for about 10 per cent of cases in the district.