IFRC, UNICEF and WHO issue global guidance to protect children and support safe school operations during the pandemic

IFRC, UNICEF and the WHO issued new guidance in March to help protect children and schools from transmission of the COVID-19 virus. The guidance provides critical considerations and practical checklists to keep schools safe. It also advises national and local authorities on a way adapt and implement emergency plans for educational facilities.

In the event of educational institution closures, the guidance includes recommendations to mitigate against the possible negative impacts on children’s learning and wellbeing. This implies having solid plans in situ to make sure the continuity of learning, including remote learning options like online education strategies and radio broadcasts of educational content, and access to essential services for all children. These plans should also include necessary steps for the eventual safe reopening of educational institutions.

Where schools remain open, and to make sure that children and their families remain protected and informed, the guidance calls for:

• Providing children with information about how to protect themselves;
• Promoting best handwashing and hygiene practices and providing hygiene supplies;
• Cleaning and disinfecting school buildings, especially water and sanitation facilities; and
• Increasing airflow and ventilation.

The guidance, while specific to countries that have already confirmed the transmission of COVID-19, continues to be relevant altogether other contexts. Education can encourage students to become advocates for disease prevention and control reception, in school, and in their community by reproval others about the way 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.

For example, safe school guidelines implemented in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone during the outbreak of Ebola virus disease from 2014 to 2016 helped prevent school-based transmissions of the virus.

UNICEF is urging schools – whether open or helping students through remote learning – to supply students with holistic support. Schools should provide children with vital information on handwashing and other measures to safeguard themselves and their families; facilitate psychological state support; and help to stop stigma and discrimination by encouraging students to be kind to every other and avoid stereotypes when talking about the virus.

The new guidance also offers helpful tips and checklists for parents and caregivers, as well as children and students themselves. These actions include:

• Monitoring children’s health and keeping them home from school if they are ill;
• Encouraging children to ask questions and express their concerns; and
• Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow and avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth and nose.