Abstract
On February 21, 2020, Italy became one of the countries hit by an epidemic of the new coronavirus that causes “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2” (SARS-CoV-2). Even a month before that, however, the Italian government began issuing a series of decrees and ordinances aimed at the containment of the virus in Italy, the first of them on January 25, 2020. The COVID 19 infection has been faced as an epidemic through measures to enforce a high degree of isolation. These regulations hold for minors, as well, with consequent difficulties for this age group. While at the moment young people appear to be the least vulnerable to the severe complications of COVID 19, the psychological problems that may be brought on by pandemic-related restrictions should be taken into serious consideration.
Highlights
In 2017 in Italy, researchers identified a coronavirus cluster in bats in northern Italy, with peculiar genetic characteristics [1], but no further inquiry was conducted on its virulence in the hosts
The new coronavirus causes “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2” (SARS-CoV-2), so named because it is correlated to the coronavirus that provoked SARS (SARS-CoVs)
The healthcare system and society should guarantee the well-being of minors by reflecting upon their point of view, discussing it coherently, and analyzing the various aspects to reach well-thought-out solutions in the best interests of the children/adolescents
Summary
In 2017 in Italy, researchers identified a coronavirus cluster in bats in northern Italy, with peculiar genetic characteristics [1], but no further inquiry was conducted on its virulence in the hosts. Transmission by asymptomatic subjects has not been excluded, and currently isolation is the first form of prevention [11] Notwithstanding this information, the infection from COVID-19 has been faced as an epidemic, through measures to enforce a high degree of isolation. The Italian Society of Neonatology has proposed that a woman who has tested positive for corona virus but is asymptomatic should be allowed to nurse and be close to her newborn Instead, if she shows symptoms of fever, coughing and respiratory secretions, she and her newborn should be separated, if she consents to this and if the logistics of the hospital permit it [26]. Some studied have asked whether a few weeks or months of forced separation can have enduring effects, and noted that brief traumatic events can have life-long consequences [28, 29], such as posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, depression, aggression, psychosomatic complaint and suicidal ideation [30, 31]
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