Reopening Of Schools Not Responsible For Spike In COVID-19 Cases – UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund says closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic will impact negatively on the development, safety and wellbeing of children globally, noting that schools are not drivers of the viral disease.

The United Nations Children’s Fund on Tuesday, claimed that the closure of schools due to the outbreak of COVID-19 will impact negatively on the development, safety and wellbeing of children across the world.

UNICEF further stated that schools are not responsible for the spread in the virus.

Recall that the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, on Monday, said travels, reopening of schools, businesses and religious centres have contributed to the increase in COVID-19 cases in Nigeria.

Mustapha stated this during the PTF media briefing in Abuja, on Monday.

UNICEF in a statement released on Tuesday further stated that the effects of closing school for another year will affect generations to come.

The agency noted that governments still close schools despite knowing that schools are not responsible for the increase in COVID-19 cases.

“In the case of lockdowns, schools must be among the first to reopen once authorities start lifting restrictions.”

“Catch-up classes should be prioritised to ensure that children who have been unable to learn remotely are not left behind.”

“If children are faced with another year of school closures, the effects will be felt for generations to come,” UNICEF warned.

UNICEF disclosed that the number of out-of-school children will increase by 24 million in years to come.