The International Federation of the Red Cross , Unicef and the World Health Organisation have issued new guidelines to help protect children and schools from the transmission of the coronavirus ., the guidelines provide practical checklists to keep schools safe. They will also advise national and local authorities on how to adapt and implement emergency plans for educational facilities.
“This means having solid plans in place to ensure the continuity of learning, including remote learning options such as online education strategies and radio broadcasts of academic content, and access to essential services for all children. These plans should also include necessary steps for the eventual safe reopening of schools,” the organisations said in a joint statement on Tuesday.
“Education can encourage students to become advocates for disease prevention and control at home, in school, and in their community by talking to others about how to prevent the spread of viruses. Maintaining safe school operations or reopening schools after a closure, requires many considerations, but if done well, can promote public health,” added the organisations.
Unicef urged schools, whether open or helping students through remote learning, to provide students with holistic support.