Form of words:
New Delhi: According to experts from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), schools need to be reopened in a phased manner, starting from primary classes with proper implementation of multi-layered COVID-19 mitigation measures.
In an opinion published in The Indian Journal of Medical Research, experts said testing strategies in school settings could serve as important interventions to check the potential spread of the virus, which underlie regular temperatures or in schools. Testing for symptoms should be avoided due to limited evidence. their usefulness.
Experts cited a UNESCO report, which said that more than 320 million children have been affected by the closure of schools in India for more than 500 days. It has hit hard-hit children from relatively disadvantaged settlements and slums, many of whom are not able to read more than a few words.
A survey finds that students missed out on social interaction, lacked physical activity and had a feeling of loosening of bonds of friendship due to prolonged school closures, ‘reopening schools during the Covid-19 pandemic’ : a persistent dilemma’.
In an opinion piece synthesizing scientific evidence from India and abroad on the rationale for reopening schools, experts said that knowing that COVID-19 transmission is a “hyper-dispersed” phenomenon, testing strategies in schools need to be checked. can serve as an important intervention. Possible spread of the virus.
It should also be acknowledged that COVID testing strategies in schools should act as an adjunct and not as a substitute for other organizational and behavioral interventions, said Perspectives by Tanu Anand, Balram Bhargava and Samiran Panda.
Evidence indicates that restoration of functioning of the education system as it was in pre-Covid times, as early as possible in the present Indian context appears prudent, he said.
“However, it will be necessary to examine state-specific as well as district-specific data on earlier waves of infection and the status of adult immunization coverage to inform decisions regarding any plausible third wave and reopening of schools. So that its possible intensity can be projected.
“It is recommended that schools should have access to on-site testing facilities as per existing country-specific guidelines. Depending on local community transmission levels or if COVID-19 indicators worsen, there may be a temporary or local closure of a classroom or school. “
Experts underlined that school teachers, staff and those involved in the transportation of children should be vaccinated on a casual basis and continue to use masks.
This combination intervention is important because vaccination against COVID-19 does not prevent the acquisition or transmission of infection, and this is true for adults and children.
Read also: Third cancer cases in India linked to tobacco use, almost half in people over 60: ICMR report
“The opening of schools under this combination-intervention will not only ensure continuity of individual learning but will also instill confidence in parents that schools are safe for their children,” he said.
Testing of the COVID-19 vaccine for children and adolescents is still underway in India. Available evidence suggests that people 12 years of age and older have a higher risk of contracting the infection. Therefore, they should be given priority for vaccination as compared to younger children, experts said.
The Opinion Peace highlighted the need to devise proactive multi-layered mitigation strategies to create an optimal learning environment for children at low risk of transmission, in order to derive maximum benefit from the reopening of schools.
Consistent and proper use of masks, hygiene and implementation of a standard protocol for hand washing are key pillars of COVID-appropriate behavior and should be practiced by students and school staff alike.
Ensuring the provision of such behavior change practices requires planning and resource allocation by school authorities, the experts highlighted.
While masks are not recommended for children under the age of five, children between the ages of six and 11 may wear masks, depending on their ability to use them safely and appropriately. He said that people aged 12 years and above should wear masks just like adults.
Schools should ensure that the indoors is well ventilated and air conditioners should be avoided. Exhaust fans should be installed in classrooms to prevent possible spread of infection.
In addition, children should be advised against sharing meals, spending long hours in canteens or dining halls.
Referring to the open-air classes promoted by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Shantiniketan, Anand, Bhargava and Panda said, “COVID-19 forced us to explore and find innovative teaching methods especially in the lap of nature Is.”
He said there is substantial evidence that children aged 1-17 years have the same susceptibility to a mild form of COVID-19 as adults.
“However, the risk of serious illness and mortality is much lower in children than in adults,” the experts said.
Anecdotal evidence from India also points to a sporadic increase in Covid cases in states that began reopening schools after the first wave. He said that all these point to an over-dispersed phenomenon in COVID-19 transmission in different settings.
It should also be noted that global evidence suggests schools as “non-drivers” of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the community, the experts underlined.
Read also: Maharashtra allows reopening of cinema halls, cinemas from October 22
subscribe our channel youtube And Wire
Why is the news media in crisis and how can you fix it?
India needs independent, unbiased, non-hyphenated and questionable journalism even more as it is facing many crises.
But the news media itself is in trouble. There have been brutal layoffs and pay-cuts. The best of journalism are shrinking, yielding to raw prime-time spectacle.
ThePrint has the best young journalists, columnists and editors to work for it. Smart and thinking people like you will have to pay a price to maintain this quality of journalism. Whether you live in India or abroad, you can Here.