New York’s new Covid-19 guidance is bad for young children.

Toddlers are treated like seniors.

We know that unvaccinated children are at less risk of severe disease or death than vaccinated seniors:

According to an analysis of British data by the Financial Times, a vaccinated 80-year-old has about the same mortality risk as an unvaccinated 50-year-old, and an unvaccinated 30-year-old has a lower risk than a vaccinated 45-year-old.

But the New York City Department of Health’s new Covid-19 advisory document — first flagged by New York City school social worker Justin Spiro on Twitter — suggests they are at equal risk and must both mask indoors and both avoid so-called “non-essential gatherings”:

Those who are at high risk of severe illness, are over 65, or are unvaccinated including children under the age of five who are not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine should take additional precautions. These groups are at increased risk of hospitalization, severe illness, and possible long-term complications, and should always wear a mask in public indoor settings and crowded outdoor settings. Avoid crowded settings and non-essential gatherings, particularly if indoors.

The advisory justifies its strict guidance for unvaccinated young children by — some might say — exaggerating the health risks to children under five from Covid-19.

Even though COVID-19 is generally less dangerous for children, it can result in hospitalization…