UNESCO, UNICEF and WHO issue considerations for school-related public health measures in the context of COVID-19

NEW YORK, 30 September 2020 - UNESCO, UNICEF and WHO have today issued considerations for school-related public health measures in the context of COVID-19.

The updated advice for policymakers and educators on running schools as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic, looks at risk-based approaches for school operations, based on the level and intensity of transmission rates at lower schooling levels; age-appropriate considerations for measures such as physical distancing and masks in schools; and other measures to mitigate against COVID-19 in schools.

At the forefront of all considerations and decisions should be the continuity of education for children for their overall well-being, health and safety.

Specific recommended measures in this updated advice include staggering the times for school opening, closing, mealtimes and breaks; handwashing facilities; cleaning of surfaces and shared objects; and establishing mechanisms to share information with parents, students and teachers.