I. FACTS ABOUT COVID-19 What is COVID-19? COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for the virus, and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ or ‘2019-nCoV.’ The COVID-19 virus is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of the common cold. What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. These symptoms are similar to the flu (influenza) or the common cold, which are a lot more common than COVID-19. This is why testing is required to confirm if someone has COVID-19. How does COVID-19 spread? The virus is transmitted through direct contact with the respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing). Individuals can also be infected from and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth). The COVID-19 virus may survive on surfaces for several hours, but simple disinfectants can kill it. Who is most at risk? We are learning more about how COVID-19 affects people every day. Older people, and people with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, appear to be more at risk of developing severe symptoms. As this is a new virus, we are still learning about how it affects children. We know people of any age can be infected with the virus, but so far there are relatively few cases of COVID-19 reported among children. This is a new virus and we need to learn more about how it affects children. The virus can be fatal in rare cases, so far mainly among older people with pre-existing medical conditions. What is the treatment for COVID-19? There is no currently available vaccine for COVID-19. However, many of the symptoms can be treated and getting early care from a healthcare provider can make the disease less dangerous. Several clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate potential therapeutics for COVID-19. How can the spread of COVID-19 be slowed down or prevented? As with other respiratory infections like the flu or the common cold, public health measures are critical to slow the spread of illnesses. Public health measures are everyday preventive actions that include: ✓ staying home when sick; ✓ covering mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissue immediately; ✓ washing hands often with soap and water, and ✓ cleaning frequently touched surfaces and objects. As we learn more about COVID-19 public health officials may recommend additional actions. 3 II. INTRODUCTION The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and the virus has now spread to many countries and territories. While a lot is still unknown about the virus that causes COVID-19, we do know that it is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing) Individuals can also be infected by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth). While COVID-19 continues to spread communities must take action to prevent further transmission, reduce the impacts of the outbreak and support control measures. The protection of children and educational facilities is particularly important. Precautions are necessary to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 in school settings; however, care must also be taken to avoid stigmatizing students and staff who may have been exposed to the virus. It is important to remember that COVID-19 does not differentiate between borders, ethnicities, disability status, age or gender. Education settings should continue to be welcoming, respectful, inclusive, and supportive environments to all. Measures taken by schools can prevent the entry and spread of COVID-19 by students and staff who may have been exposed to the virus while minimizing disruption and protecting students and staff from discrimination. Purpose Today, children and young people are global citizens, powerful agents of change and the next generation of caregivers, scientists, and doctors. Any crisis presents the opportunity to help them learn, cultivate compassion and increase resilience while building a safer and more caring community. Having information and facts about COVID-19 will help diminish students’ fears and anxieties around the disease and support their ability to cope with any secondary impacts in their lives. This guide provides key messages and considerations for engaging school administrators, teachers and staff, parents, caregivers and community members, as well as children themselves in promoting safe and healthy schools. The purpose of this document is to provide clear and actionable guidance for safe operations through the prevention, early detection and control of COVID-19 in schools and other educational facilities. 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. Maintaining safe school operations or reopening schools after a closure requires many considerations but, if done well, can promote public health.
III. SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, TEACHERS AND STAFF Key Messages & Actions Basic principles Following basic principles can help keep students, teachers, and staff safe at school and help stop the spread of this disease. Recommendations for healthy schools are: • Sick students, teachers and other staff should not come to school • Schools should enforce regular hand washing with safe water and soap, alcohol rub/hand sanitiser or chlorine solution and, at a minimum, daily disinfection and cleaning of school surfaces • Schools should provide water, sanitation and waste management facilities and follow environmental cleaning and decontamination procedures • Schools should promote social distancing (a term applied to certain actions that are taken to slow down the spread of a highly contagious disease, including limiting large groups of people coming together) Know the latest facts Understand basic information about coronavirus disease (COVID-19), including its symptoms, complications, how it is transmitted and how to prevent transmission. Stay informed about COVID-19 through reputable sources such as UNICEF, WHO and national health ministry advisories. Be aware of fake information/myths that may circulate by word-of-mouth or online. Ensure safe school operations See ‘Checklist on Safe School Environments’ below Update or develop school emergency and contingency plans. Work with officials to guarantee schools are not used as shelters, treatment units, etc. Consider cancelling any community events/meetings that usually take place on school premises, based on risk. Reinforce frequent handwashing and sanitation and procure needed supplies. Prepare and maintain handwashing stations with soap and water, and if possible, place alcohol-based hand rub (hand sanitisers) in each classroom, at entrances and exits, and near lunchrooms and toilets. Clean and disinfect school buildings, classrooms and especially water and sanitation facilities at least once a day particularly surfaces that are touched by many people (railings, lunch tables, sports equipment, door and window handle, toys, teaching and learning aids etc.) Implement social distancing practices that may include: • Staggering the beginning and end of the school day • Cancelling assemblies, sports games and other events that create crowded conditions • When possible, create space for children’s desks to be at least one metre apart • Teach and model creating space and avoiding unnecessary touching 5 Establish procedures if students or staff become unwell Plan ahead with local health authorities, school health staff and update emergency contact lists. Ensure a procedure for separating sick students and staff from those who are well – without creating stigma – and a process for informing parents/caregivers, and consulting with health care providers/health authorities wherever possible. Students/staff may need to be referred directly to a health facility, depending on the situation/context, or sent home. Share procedures with staff, parents and students ahead of time. Promote information sharing Coordinate and follow guidelines from the national health and education authorities. Share known information with staff, caregivers and students, providing updated information on the disease situation, including prevention and control efforts at school. Reinforce that caregivers should alert the school and health care authorities if someone in their home has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and keep their child at home. Utilize parent-teacher committees and other mechanisms to promote information sharing. Also be sure to address children’s questions and concerns, including through the development of child-friendly materials such as posters which can be placed on notice boards, in restrooms, and in other central locations. Adapt school policies where appropriate Develop flexible attendance and sick leave policies that encourage students and staff to stay home when sick or when caring for sick family members. Discourage the use of perfect attendance awards and incentives. Identify critical job functions and positions, and plan for alternative coverage by crosstraining staff. Plan for possible academic calendar changes, particularly concerning breaks and exams. Monitor school attendance Implement school absenteeism monitoring systems to track student and staff absence and compare against usual absenteeism patterns at the school. Alert local health authorities about large increases in student and staff absenteeism due to respiratory illnesses. Plan for continuity of learning In the case of absenteeism/sick leave or temporary school closures, support continued access to quality education. This can include: • Use of online/e-learning strategies • Assigning reading and exercises for home study • Radio, podcast or television broadcasts of academic content • Assigning teachers to conduct remote daily or weekly follow up with students • Review/develop accelerated education strategies Implement targeted health education Integrate disease prevention and control in daily activities and lessons. Ensure content is age-, gender-, ethnicity-, and disability-responsive and activities are built into existing subjects. (See Section on Age-Appropriate Health Education) 6 Address Mental Health/Psychosocial support needs Encourage children to discuss their questions and concerns. Explain it is normal that they may experience different reactions and encourage them to talk to teachers if they have any questions or concerns. Provide information in an honest, age-appropriate manner. Guide students on how to support their peers and prevent exclusion and bullying. Ensure teachers are aware of local resources for their own well-being. Work with school health workers/social workers to identify and support students and staff who exhibit signs of distress. Support vulnerable populations Work with social service systems to ensure continuity of critical services that may take place in schools such as health screenings, feeding programs or therapies for children with special needs. Consider the specific needs of children with disabilities, and how marginalized populations may be more acutely impacted by the illness or its secondary effects. Examine any specific implications for girls that may increase their risk, such as responsibility for taking care of the sick at home, or exploitation when out of school. CHECKLIST FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, TEACHERS AND STAFF ☐ 1. Promote and demonstrate regular hand washing and positive hygiene behaviours and monitor their uptake. Ensure adequate, clean and separate toilets for girls and boys o Ensure soap and safe water is available at age-appropriate hand washing stations o Encourage frequent and thorough washing (at least 20 seconds) o Place hand sanitisers in toilets, classrooms, halls, and near exits where possible o Ensure adequate, clean and separate toilets or latrines for girls and boys ☐ 2. Clean and disinfect school buildings, classrooms and especially water and sanitation facilities at least once a day, particularly surfaces that are touched by many people (railings, lunch tables, sports equipment, door and window handles, toys, teaching and learning aids etc.) o Use sodium hypochlorite at 0.5% (equivalent 5000ppm) for disinfecting surfaces and 70% ethyl alcohol for disinfection of small items, and ensure appropriate equipment for cleaning staff ☐ 3. Increase airflow and ventilation where the climate allows (open windows, use air conditioning where available, etc.) ☐ 4. Post signs encouraging good hand and respiratory hygiene practices ☐ 5. Ensure trash is removed daily and disposed of safely 7 IV. PARENTS/CAREGIVERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS Key Messages and Actions COVID-19 is a new virus and we are still learning about how it affects children. We know people of any age can be infected with the virus, but so far there have been relatively few cases of COVID-19 reported among children. The virus can be fatal in cases, so far mainly among older people with pre-existing medical conditions. Know the latest facts Understand basic information about coronavirus disease (COVID-19), including its symptoms, complications, how it is transmitted and how to prevent transmission. Stay informed about COVID-19 through reputable sources such as UNICEF and WHO and national health ministry advisories. Be aware of fake information/myths that may circulate by word-of-mouth or online. Recognize the symptoms of COVID-19 (coughing, fever, shortness of breath) in your child Seek medical advice by first calling your health facility/provider and then take your child in, if advised. Remember that symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough or fever can be similar to those of the flu, or the common cold, which are a lot more common. If your child is sick, keep them home from school and notify the school of your child’s absence and symptoms. Request reading and assignments so that students can continue learning while at home. Explain to your child what is happening in simple words and reassure them that they are safe. Keep children in school when healthy If your child isn’t displaying any symptoms such as a fever or cough it’s best to keep them in school – unless a public health advisory or other relevant warning or official advice has been issued affecting your child’s school. Instead of keeping children out of school, teach them good hand and respiratory hygiene practices for school and elsewhere, like frequent handwashing (see below), covering a cough or sneeze with a flexed elbow or tissue, then throwing away the tissue into a closed bin, and not touching their eyes, mouths or noses if they haven’t properly washed their hands. Washing hands properly Step 1: Wet hands with safe running water Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands – including backs of hands, between fingers and under nails – for at least 20 seconds Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with running water Step 5: Dry hands with a clean, dry cloth, single-use towel or hand drier as available Wash your hands often, especially before and after eating; after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom/ toilets/latrines and whenever your hands are visibly dirty. If soap 8 and water is not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water, if hands are visibly dirty. Help children cope with the stress Children may respond to stress in different ways. Common responses include having difficulties sleeping, bedwetting, having pain in the stomach or head, and being anxious, withdrawn, angry, clingy or afraid to be left alone. Respond to children’s reactions in a supportive way and explain to them that they are normal reactions to an abnormal situation. Listen to their concerns and take time to comfort them and give them affection, reassure them they’re safe and praise them frequently. If possible, create opportunities for children to play and relax. Keep regular routines and schedules as much as possible, especially before they go to sleep, or help create new ones in a new environment. Provide age-appropriate facts about what has happened, explain what is going on and give them clear examples of what they can do to help protect themselves and others from infection. Share information about what could happen reassuringly. For example, if your child is feeling sick and staying at home or the hospital, you could say, “You have to stay at home/at the hospital because it is safer for you and your friends. I know it is hard (maybe scary or even boring) at times, but we need to follow the rules to keep ourselves and others safe. Things will go back to normal soon.” CHECKLIST FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS & COMMUNITY MEMBERS ☐ 1. Monitor your child’s health and keep them home from school if they are ill ☐ 2. Teach and model good hygiene practices for your children o, Wash your hands with soap and safe water frequently. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water, if hands are visibly dirty o Ensure that safe drinking water is available and toilets or latrines are clean and available at home o Ensure waste is safely collected, stored and disposed of o Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow and avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth, nose ☐ 3. Encourage your children to ask questions and express their feelings with you and their teachers. Remember that your child may have different reactions to stress; be patient and understanding. ☐ 4. Prevent stigma by using facts and reminding students to be considerate of one another ☐ 5. Coordinate with the school to receive information and ask how you can support school safety efforts (though parent-teacher committees, etc.) 9 V. STUDENTS AND CHILDREN Children and young people should understand basic, age-appropriate information about coronavirus disease (COVID-19), including its symptoms, complications, how it is transmitted and how to prevent transmission. Stay informed about COVID-19 through reputable sources such as UNICEF, WHO and national health ministry advisories. Be aware of fake information/myths that may circulate by word-of-mouth or online. CHECKLIST FOR STUDENTS AND CHILDREN ☐ 1. In a situation like this it is normal to feel sad, worried, confused, scared or angry. Know that you are not alone and talk to someone you trust, like your parent or teacher so that you can help keep yourself and your school safe and healthy. o Ask questions, educate yourself and get information from reliable sources ☐ 2. Protect yourself and others o Wash your hands frequently, always with soap and water for at least 20 seconds o Remember to not touch your face o Do not share cups, eating utensils, food or drinks with others ☐ 3. Be a leader in keeping yourself, your school, family and community health. o Share what you learn about preventing disease with your family and friends, especially with younger children o Model good practices such as sneezing or coughing into your elbow and washing your hands, especially for younger family members ☐ 4. Don’t stigmatize your peers or tease anyone about being sick; remember that the virus doesn’t follow geographical boundaries, ethnicities, age or ability or gender. ☐ 5. Tell your parents, another family member, or a caregiver if you feel sick, and ask to stay home.
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