Despite widespread panic over coronavirus, particularly among parents, health experts have said that there is no need of school closure at this point in time.
The government is taking necessary initiatives based on the opinion of health experts in order to effectively prevent an outbreak in the country. The disease which originated in Wuhan, China has claimed over 3,000 lives and the number of infected has risen to one lakh people.
Experts are not recommending school closure at this moment because we do not have transmission of the disease in the community level. No new patients were found in the country after the initial three. However, authorities are monitoring the situation to see if there is any further transmission.
However, the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) will send guidelines to schools for what kind of measures they should take. Moreover, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday issued a new guidance to help protect children and schools from transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
Experts are not recommending school
closure at this moment because we do not have
transmission of the disease in the community level
Guidance includes practical actions and checklists for administrators, teachers, parents and children. The guidance provides critical considerations and practical checklists to keep schools safe. It also advises national and local authorities on how to adapt to and implement emergency plans for educational facilities.
In the case of coronavirus, which spreads through physical contact, children are less likely to take precautions and therefore more prone to spreading the disease. They also lack in hygiene practices compared to adults. Therefore, if we are unable to contain the spread of the disease in the country the best action would be to shut down all educational institutions temporarily.
Bangladesh is a very densely populated country and therefore more at risk of a coronavirus epidemic. What is needed now more than ever is promptness on part of the government. Awareness among the general public is also needed to contain the spread of the virus.
