Health Desk- 21 March 2020: The International
Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), UNICEF and the World Health Organization
(WHO) has recently issued new guidance 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 how to adapt and implement emergency plans for educational facilities.
In the event of school closures, the guidance includes
recommendations to mitigate against the possible negative impacts on children’s
learning and wellbeing. 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.
Where schools remain open, and to make sure that children
and their families remain protected and informed, the guidance calls for:
Ø
Providing children with information about how to
protect themselves;
Ø
Promoting best handwashing and hygiene practices
and providing hygiene supplies;
Ø
Cleaning and disinfecting school buildings,
especially water and sanitation facilities; and
Ø
Increasing airflow and ventilation.
The guidance, while specific to countries that have already
confirmed the transmission of COVID-19, is still relevant in all other
contexts. 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.
UNICEF is urging schools – whether open or helping students
through remote learning – to provide students with holistic support.
The new guidance also offers helpful tips and checklists for
parents and caregivers, as well as children and students themselves. These
actions include:
Ø
Monitoring children’s health and keeping them
home from school if they are ill;
Ø
Encouraging children to ask questions and
express their concerns; and
Ø
Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow
and avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth and nose.
http://amarhealth.com/kids-corner/4766/COVID-19IFRCUNICEFandWHOissueguidancetoprotectchildren
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