Health and Safety Procedures
World Health Organization: Key Message and Actions for COVID prevention and control in schools.
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 the 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 a 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 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 it is possible for people of any age to 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. There are several clinical trials that 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.
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 from touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth). While COVID-19 continues to spread, it is important that communities 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.
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 sanitizer 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 specific 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 canceling 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. If possible, place alcohol-based hand rub (hand sanitizers) 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 and mainly surfaces frequently touched by many people (railings, lunch tables, sports equipment, door and window handles, 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 meter apart
• Teach and model creating space and avoiding unnecessary touching
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 other central locations.
Adapt school policies where appropriate
Develop flexible attendance and sick leave policies that encourage students and staff to stay home when ill or when caring for ill family members. Discourage the use of perfect attendance awards and incentives. Identify critical job functions and positions, and plan for alternative coverage by cross-training staff. Plan for possible academic calendar changes, particularly in relation to 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 substantial 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)
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 particular implications for students 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 behaviors and monitor their uptake. Ensure adequate, clean, and separate toilets for girls and boys
☐ 4. Post signs encouraging good hand and respiratory hygiene practices
☐ 5. Ensure trash is removed daily and disposed of safely
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 it is possible for people of any age to 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 a zoom link 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 is not 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 and whenever your hands are visibly dirty. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
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
☐ 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.)
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.
☐ 5. Tell your parents, another family member, or a caregiver if you feel sick, and ask to stay home.
Age-Specific Health Education
Below are suggestions on how to engage students of different ages on preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. Activities should be contextualized further based on the specific needs of children (language, ability, gender, etc.).
Preschool
• Focus on good health behaviors, such as covering coughs and sneezes with the elbow and washing hands frequently
• Sing a song while washing hands to practice the recommended 20-second duration. - Children can "practice" washing their hands with hand sanitizer
• Develop a way to track handwashing and reward for frequent/timely handwashing
• Use puppets or dolls to demonstrate symptoms (sneezing, coughing, fever) and what to do if they feel sick (i.e., their head hurts, their stomach hurts, they feel hot or extra tired) and how to comfort someone who is ill (cultivating empathy and safe, caring behaviors)
• Have children sit further apart from one another, have them practice stretching their arms out or 'flap their wings,' and they should keep enough space to not touch their friends.
Primary School
• Make sure to listen to children's concerns and answer their questions in an age-appropriate manner; do not overwhelm them with too much information. Encourage them to express and communicate their feelings. Discuss the different reactions they may experience and explain that these are normal reactions to an abnormal situation.
• Emphasize that children can do a lot to keep themselves and others safe.
- Introduce the concept of social distancing (standing further away from friends, avoiding large crowds, not touching people if you do not need to, etc.)
- Focus on good health behaviors, such as covering coughs and sneezes with the elbow and washing hands
• Help children understand the basic concepts of disease prevention and control. Use exercises that demonstrate how germs can spread. For example, by putting colored water in a spray bottle and spraying over a piece of white paper. Observe how far the droplets travel.
• Demonstrate why it is important to wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water
• Have students analyze texts to identify high-risk behaviors and suggest modifying behaviors
- For example, a teacher comes to school with a cold. He sneezes and covers it with his hand. He shakes hands with a colleague. He wipes his hands after with a handkerchief then goes to class to teach. What did the teacher do that was risky? What should he have done instead?
Lower Secondary School
• Make sure to listen to students' concerns and answer their questions.
• Emphasize that students can do a lot to keep themselves and others safe.
- Introduce the concept of social distancing
- Focus on good health behaviors, such as covering coughs and sneezes with the elbow and washing hands
- Remind students that they can model healthy behaviors for their families
• Encourage students to prevent and address stigma
-Discuss the different reactions they may experience and explain these are normal reactions to an abnormal situation. Encourage them to express and communicate their feelings
• Incorporate relevant health education into other subjects
- Science can cover the study of viruses, disease transmission and the importance of
vaccinations
- Social studies can focus on the history of pandemics and the evolution of policies on public health and safety
- Media literacy lessons can empower students to be critical thinkers and makers, effective communicators, and active citizens
Upper Secondary School
• Make sure to listen to students' concerns and answer their questions.
• Emphasize that students can do a lot to keep themselves and others safe.
- Introduce the concept of social distancing
- Focus on good health behaviors, such as covering coughs and sneezes with the elbow and washing hands encourage students to prevent and address stigma
- Discuss the different reactions they may experience and explain these are normal reactions to an abnormal situation. Encourage them to express and communicate their feelings.
• Incorporate relevant health education into other subjects
- Science courses can cover the study of viruses, disease transmission and the importance of vaccinations
- Social studies can focus on the history of pandemics and their secondary effects and investigate how public policies can promote tolerance and social cohesion.
• Have students make their own Public Service Announcements via social media, radio or even local tv broadcasting
- Media literacy lessons can empower students to be critical thinkers and makers, effective communicators, and active citizens.
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 the 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 a 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 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 it is possible for people of any age to 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. There are several clinical trials that 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.
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 from touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth). While COVID-19 continues to spread, it is important that communities 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.
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 sanitizer 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 specific 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 canceling 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. If possible, place alcohol-based hand rub (hand sanitizers) 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 and mainly surfaces frequently touched by many people (railings, lunch tables, sports equipment, door and window handles, 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 meter apart
• Teach and model creating space and avoiding unnecessary touching
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 other central locations.
Adapt school policies where appropriate
Develop flexible attendance and sick leave policies that encourage students and staff to stay home when ill or when caring for ill family members. Discourage the use of perfect attendance awards and incentives. Identify critical job functions and positions, and plan for alternative coverage by cross-training staff. Plan for possible academic calendar changes, particularly in relation to 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 substantial 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)
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 particular implications for students 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 behaviors and monitor their uptake. Ensure adequate, clean, and separate toilets for girls and boys
- Ensure soap, and safe water is available at age-appropriate handwashing stations
- Encourage frequent and thorough washing (at least 20 seconds)
- Place hand sanitizers in restrooms, classrooms, halls, and near exits where possible
- 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.
☐ 4. Post signs encouraging good hand and respiratory hygiene practices
☐ 5. Ensure trash is removed daily and disposed of safely
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 it is possible for people of any age to 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 a zoom link 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 is not 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 and whenever your hands are visibly dirty. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
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
- Wash your hands with soap and safe water frequently. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty
- Ensure that safe drinking water is available
- Ensure waste is safely collected, stored, and disposed of
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow and avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth, nose
☐ 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.)
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.
- Ask questions, educate yourself, and get information from reliable sources.
- Wash your hands frequently, always with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Remember do not touch your face
- Do not share cups, eating utensils, food, or drinks with others
- Share what you learn about preventing disease with your family and friends, especially with younger children
- Model good practices such as sneezing or coughing into your elbow and washing your hands, especially for younger family members
☐ 5. Tell your parents, another family member, or a caregiver if you feel sick, and ask to stay home.
Age-Specific Health Education
Below are suggestions on how to engage students of different ages on preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. Activities should be contextualized further based on the specific needs of children (language, ability, gender, etc.).
Preschool
• Focus on good health behaviors, such as covering coughs and sneezes with the elbow and washing hands frequently
• Sing a song while washing hands to practice the recommended 20-second duration. - Children can "practice" washing their hands with hand sanitizer
• Develop a way to track handwashing and reward for frequent/timely handwashing
• Use puppets or dolls to demonstrate symptoms (sneezing, coughing, fever) and what to do if they feel sick (i.e., their head hurts, their stomach hurts, they feel hot or extra tired) and how to comfort someone who is ill (cultivating empathy and safe, caring behaviors)
• Have children sit further apart from one another, have them practice stretching their arms out or 'flap their wings,' and they should keep enough space to not touch their friends.
Primary School
• Make sure to listen to children's concerns and answer their questions in an age-appropriate manner; do not overwhelm them with too much information. Encourage them to express and communicate their feelings. Discuss the different reactions they may experience and explain that these are normal reactions to an abnormal situation.
• Emphasize that children can do a lot to keep themselves and others safe.
- Introduce the concept of social distancing (standing further away from friends, avoiding large crowds, not touching people if you do not need to, etc.)
- Focus on good health behaviors, such as covering coughs and sneezes with the elbow and washing hands
• Help children understand the basic concepts of disease prevention and control. Use exercises that demonstrate how germs can spread. For example, by putting colored water in a spray bottle and spraying over a piece of white paper. Observe how far the droplets travel.
• Demonstrate why it is important to wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water
• Have students analyze texts to identify high-risk behaviors and suggest modifying behaviors
- For example, a teacher comes to school with a cold. He sneezes and covers it with his hand. He shakes hands with a colleague. He wipes his hands after with a handkerchief then goes to class to teach. What did the teacher do that was risky? What should he have done instead?
Lower Secondary School
• Make sure to listen to students' concerns and answer their questions.
• Emphasize that students can do a lot to keep themselves and others safe.
- Introduce the concept of social distancing
- Focus on good health behaviors, such as covering coughs and sneezes with the elbow and washing hands
- Remind students that they can model healthy behaviors for their families
• Encourage students to prevent and address stigma
-Discuss the different reactions they may experience and explain these are normal reactions to an abnormal situation. Encourage them to express and communicate their feelings
• Incorporate relevant health education into other subjects
- Science can cover the study of viruses, disease transmission and the importance of
vaccinations
- Social studies can focus on the history of pandemics and the evolution of policies on public health and safety
- Media literacy lessons can empower students to be critical thinkers and makers, effective communicators, and active citizens
Upper Secondary School
• Make sure to listen to students' concerns and answer their questions.
• Emphasize that students can do a lot to keep themselves and others safe.
- Introduce the concept of social distancing
- Focus on good health behaviors, such as covering coughs and sneezes with the elbow and washing hands encourage students to prevent and address stigma
- Discuss the different reactions they may experience and explain these are normal reactions to an abnormal situation. Encourage them to express and communicate their feelings.
• Incorporate relevant health education into other subjects
- Science courses can cover the study of viruses, disease transmission and the importance of vaccinations
- Social studies can focus on the history of pandemics and their secondary effects and investigate how public policies can promote tolerance and social cohesion.
• Have students make their own Public Service Announcements via social media, radio or even local tv broadcasting
- Media literacy lessons can empower students to be critical thinkers and makers, effective communicators, and active citizens.