Re-opening schools during COVID-19 pandemic: A “Good from the Bad” Review for decision makers

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

2 Medical Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, PhD candidate

Abstract


Background: The decision to re-open schools during the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t easy, and a lot of factors are contributing to direct such a decision. Authorities have responsibilities to both organize the education process and to keep the children, teachers, families and communities safe during such process. To produce the good from the bad out of such a critical issue needs a lot of creativity, dedication and responsibility. Methods: We searched PubMed, JAMA network, New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) and other journals for studies published from January 1, 2020, to October 15, 2020. We searched in 45 references. We selected articles relevant to a general medicine readership, systematic reviews, letters to the editors and clinical practice guidelines. Other sources included publications from international organizations like World Health Organizations (WHO). Results: Strategies to protect children during the COVID-19 pandemic include prevention of collapse of various healthcare services, up-scaling of COVID-19 testing, maintaining vital access to social, economic and health care and using research for better understanding of COVID-19. Elements necessary for standing in face of COVID-19 include choosing science, the rule of law, equity in delivering healthcare services, resilient healthcare systems with entrusted leaderships, investment in scientific research and the global support of international organizations. Conclusion: We conclude that societies need to keep the necessary education systems working efficiently, during these bad times that are enforcing the globe to live symbiotically with the third and most dangerous zoonotic coronavirus that has crossed the species barrier from wild animals to humans.

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