Schools Are Not Drivers Of COVID-19 Pandemic — UNICEF

Says Children cannot afford another year of school
disruption

“As we enter the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as
cases continue to soar around the world, no effort should be spared
to keep schools open or prioritize them in reopening plans.

“Despite overwhelming evidence of the impact of school closures
on children, and despite increasing evidence that schools are not
drivers of the pandemic, too many countries have opted to keep
schools closed, some for nearly a year.

“The cost of closing schools – which at the peak of pandemic
lockdowns affected 90 per cent of students worldwide and left more
than a third of schoolchildren with no access to remote education –
has been devastating.

“The number of out-of-school children is set to increase by 24
million, to a level we have not seen in years and have fought so
hard to overcome.

“Children’s ability to read, write and do basic math has
suffered, and the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century
economy have diminished.

“Their health, development, safety and well-being are at risk.
The most vulnerable among them will bear the heaviest brunt.

“Without school meals, children are left hungry and their
nutrition is worsening. Without daily interactions with their peers
and a reduction in mobility, they are losing physical fitness and
showing signs of mental distress. Without the safety net that
school often provides, they are more vulnerable to abuse, child
marriage and child labour.

“That’s why closing schools must be a measure of last resort,
after all other options have been considered.

“Assessing the risk of transmission at the local level should be
a key determinant in decisions on school operations. Nationwide
school closures must be avoided whenever possible. Where there are
high levels of community transmission, where health systems are
under extreme pressure and where closing schools is deemed
inevitable, safeguarding measures must be put in place. This
includes ensuring that children who are at risk of violence in
their homes, who are reliant upon school meals and whose parents
are essential workers are able to continue their education in their
classrooms.

“In case of lockdowns, schools must be among the first to reopen
once authorities start lifting restrictions. Catch-up classes
should be prioritized to ensure that children who have been unable
to learn remotely are not left behind.

“If children are faced with another year of school closures, the
effects will be felt for generations to come.”

Says Children cannot afford another year of school
disruption

“As we enter the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as
cases continue to soar around the world, no effort should be spared
to keep schools open or prioritize them in reopening plans.

“Despite overwhelming evidence of the impact of school closures
on children, and despite increasing evidence that schools are not
drivers of the pandemic, too many countries have opted to keep
schools closed, some for nearly a year.

“The cost of closing schools – which at the peak of pandemic
lockdowns affected 90 per cent of students worldwide and left more
than a third of schoolchildren with no access to remote education –
has been devastating.

“The number of out-of-school children is set to increase by 24
million, to a level we have not seen in years and have fought so
hard to overcome.

“Children’s ability to read, write and do basic math has
suffered, and the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century
economy have diminished.

“Their health, development, safety and well-being are at risk.
The most vulnerable among them will bear the heaviest brunt.

“Without school meals, children are left hungry and their
nutrition is worsening. Without daily interactions with their peers
and a reduction in mobility, they are losing physical fitness and
showing signs of mental distress. Without the safety net that
school often provides, they are more vulnerable to abuse, child
marriage and child labour.

“That’s why closing schools must be a measure of last resort,
after all other options have been considered.

“Assessing the risk of transmission at the local level should be
a key determinant in decisions on school operations. Nationwide
school closures must be avoided whenever possible. Where there are
high levels of community transmission, where health systems are
under extreme pressure and where closing schools is deemed
inevitable, safeguarding measures must be put in place. This
includes ensuring that children who are at risk of violence in
their homes, who are reliant upon school meals and whose parents
are essential workers are able to continue their education in their
classrooms.

“In case of lockdowns, schools must be among the first to reopen
once authorities start lifting restrictions. Catch-up classes
should be prioritized to ensure that children who have been unable
to learn remotely are not left behind.

“If children are faced with another year of school closures, the
effects will be felt for generations to come.”