Obesity increased the risk of SARS-CoV-2 positivity in children.

AIM: To determine the effects of obesity in childhood on SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional study combining the Israeli Growth Survey and COVID-19 data for children with at least one SARS-CoV-2 test from 16 February 2020 to 20 December 2021. Overweight and obesity status were based on body mass index and the Center for Disease Control criteria. Multivariate logistics regression was performed to validate reliability for weight categories at the age of approximately 6 years compared with weights at approximately 12 years. RESULTS: A total of 444 868 records for children with an overall positivity rate of 22% were studied. The mean age was 9.5 years. The odds ratios of children with obesity or overweight after controlling for sex at 6 years to test positive were 1.07-1.12 and 1.06-1.08 (depending on the model), respectively, compared to those with healthy range body mass index. CONCLUSION: Excess weight appears to increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This finding should be considered for public health planning. For example, children with overweight and obesity should be prioritised for vaccination. Excess weight in childhood can be harmful at a young age and not only for long-term health.

Civil-military cooperation to contain COVID-19 epidemic in Israel- Lesson learned : Zohar Mor

Issue Public Health Services (PHS) has a major role in controlling COVID-19. As the epidemic propagated, and due to limited resources, PHS in Israel reached it capacity to contain the outbreak. Following a political decision in June 2020, the Home Front Command (HFC) of the Israeli Army was assigned to integrate in operating the National epidemiological efforts, while the PHS remained responsible for policy, setting guidelines and supervision. Problem The civilian PHS and the military HFC had to establish cooperation, institute new hierarchical structure and divide the responsibility, despite the differences in organizational cultures, financial and human resources. Additionally, inter and intra organizational interests had to be resolved. Results Formal and informal efforts were needed to bridge between the two organizations, while utilizing the comparative advantage of each agency. PHS has experience in controlling outbreaks, well-established intra-organizational communication, high professional identity, commitment and familiarity with different populations in Israel. HFC is a flexible, creative, learning and fast-responding organ, experienced in controlling emergencies and has well-established chains of command. HFC is supported by IT and intelligence officers. Organizational disadvantages had to be resolved. PHS is deficient in resources, has limited capacity in operating staff during irregular hours, and is obliged to share the health leadership and authority with the army. HFC has to confront high rotation of its manpower, difficulty in succumbing to non-military guidelines and regulations and possible mistrust between the army and special populations, such as Arabs or ultra-religious Jews. Lessons Civil-military epidemiological cooperation can boost the National response in containing epidemics. Policymakers from each agency should use leadership skills to encourage integration while being sensitive to the needs and expectations of all participants. Key messages • Civil–military epidemiological cooperation boosts the National response in containing epidemic. Mutual organizational sensitivity is crucial for constructive integration by leaders from each agency. • Civil–military epidemiological cooperation boosts the National response in containing epidemic. Mutual organizational sensitivity is crucial for constructive integration by leaders from each agency.