WHO states Delta variant not specifically targeting kids; suggests plans to reopen schools

World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday, July 30, that Delta variant of COVID-19 is t specifically targeting children. In a press conference, US expert said, "Let me be very clear: we are t seeing Delta variant specifically target children". WHO's COVID-19 technical lead Maria Van Kerkhove said that Delta variant first emerged in India and was being transmitted who were mixing socially. 

As compared to earlier variant of COVID-19, Delta variant is more transmissible and has w been detected in a total of 132 countries. According to UN health ncy, research was underway to have better understanding of dynamics of Delta variant and its transmissibility. Furr, she said that variants are circulating and will infect people if y do t follow COVID appropriate behaviour. Basically, she referred to measures like physical distancing, and avoiding garing in poor-ventilated areas, crowded-indoor s. WHO has also published a plan to reopen schools with complete safety.

WHO suggested plan for reopening of schools

WHO has prepared a multi-level coordination plan to reopen schools due to ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, published on its official website. At first, National measures would be taken issued by MoH and MoE to guide school level interventions. Secondly, Subnational measures would be implemented by municipalities, local level education directorates to support school level interventions. Third, measures would be implemented by school administrations.

National Level measures

• Infection-prevention measures including hygiene and daily practices at schools, environmental cleaning, etc.
• MoE in collaboration with MoH to issue a national policy on wearing of masks in schools.
• Update national plan on disease outbreak preparedness and response based on best practices and lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic.
• Update guidance on remote education support in eventuality of an increased number of cases and moving to an online learning environment.
• Establish a continuity plan for vaccination programmes, mental health programmes and psychological support for students, teachers and school staff during school discontinuity.
• Establish a committee for continuous monitoring and evaluation of situation in schools in collaboration with education sector.

Subnational level measures

• Local public health authority to collaborate with school authorities to ensure epidemiological surveillance in schools.
• Ensure that school response protocols are in accordance with public health department recommendations or national/local policies and guidelines.
• Support and sustain critical needs, including school feeding and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities; and sustain essential equipment (e.g. soap, alcohol-based hand-rub, masks and or personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff involved in cleaning and disinfection)18 to ensure y are available for students, teachers and school staff, as appropriate.
• 6. Local authorities to review and adapt contingency plans for disease outbreak preparedness and response for schools, and to ensure essential school-based health services during school closure.
• Contingency plans are available to support schools’ food distribution programmes to vulnerable population groups in case of school closures and are disseminated with related standard operating procedures.

School level measures

• Implementing strict COVID-19 protocols for staff and students both.
• School administrators and teachers to ensure adequate ventilation, using natural ventilation in classrooms, canteens and or rooms.
• To develop guidance on protection measures through communication materials like tes, posters, etc.
• Adequate supply of basic hygiene facilities in school.
• Teachers to conduct regular health awareness sessions in order to spread awareness against COVID-19.
• If cases in detected in school, n it should be immediately isolated.

(IM: PTI)