Guidelines released on the safe re-opening of schools

New guidelines on the safe reopening of schools following closures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have been released by UNESCO, UNICEF, WFP and World Bank.

The guidelines say that the best interests of children, as well as public health considerations, must be central to national and local authorities’ decisions to reopen schools.

UNESCO, UNICEF, WFP and World Bank – as part of the Global Education Coalition – urge governments to assess the benefits of classroom teaching compared to remote learning, and the risk factors related to reopening of schools, noting the inconclusive evidence around the infection risks related to school attendance.

“While many students are falling behind in their learning journey because of prolonged school closures, the decision of when and how to reopen schools, while far from straightforward, should be a priority. Once there is a green light on the health front, a whole set of measures will need to be in place to ensure that no student is left behind. These guidelines provide all-round guidance for governments and partners to facilitate the reopening of schools for students, teachers and families. We share one goal: to protect and advance the right to education for every learner,” said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

The guidelines include information on ensuring conditions that reduce disease transmission, safeguard essential services and supplies and promote healthy behaviour. This includes access to soap and clean water for safe hand washing, procedures on when staff or students feel unwell, protocols on social distancing, and good hygiene practices.