The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is recommending that member countries adopt a phased approach to reopening schools for face-to-face learning in the 2021/22 academic year, in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne, says this approach should take into consideration the local epidemiological situation, which, she notes, “can change rapidly”.
Dr. Etienne said prior to reopening schools, countries must ensure institutions can maintain COVID-19 prevention and infection control measures, including physical distancing, hand hygiene, and mask-wearing.
