Coronavirus: Six to 11-year-olds show highest case rate

Children between six and 11 were the age group with most Covid cases recorded in the past four weeks, according to a by-age breakdown published on Tuesday by the health ministry.

Cases in general have followed an upward trend in the past month, alarming officials and prompting some stricter measures, especially in schools, which has drawn strong reactions from some parents opposing masks and SafePass requirements for young children.

The figures provided include cases recorded in the four weeks from October 30 to November 26.

The ministry said that while cases are starting to fall for children under five, they increased for all other age groups, stabilising for some.

Minors had the most cases in general, in dramatic contrast with the elderly who had the lowest numbers throughout the month.

Cases recorded among the 6-11 age group more than doubled in the space of two weeks, jumping from 123 in the first week to 305 in the third.

At the same time, 12-17-year-olds had the second highest figures, which also jumped significantly from 181 in the first week to 297 in the third.

However, the ministry said that numbers have stabilised for both age groups.

Infections increased steadily among people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, especially in the 30-34 age group which was in the lead in the first week recorded, with 141 cases.