UNICEF welcomed Government decision to reopen schools for in person learning

Following the Government decision to delay the start of the school year, UNICEF took to remind the public of the urgent need to keep schools safe and open. In addition to learning loss, school closures have had a negative impact on children’s mental health, reduced their access to other services provided through schools, and increased their risk of violence.

With risk mitigation measures in place, schools have proven to be safe environments for children and not be the main driver of community transmission. Following recommendations of the Commission on Infectious Diseases and UNICEF children were back in classrooms on the 1 February. While the country continues to experience community transmission, keeping schools safe and open requires a whole of society approach.