New Delhi: Despite the European Region of the World Health Organization (WHO) witnessing a steady spike in the number of new COVID-19 infections, the health body is still suggesting schools remain open, but with “appropriate preventive and response measures in place.”
“Last year’s widespread school closures, disrupting the education of millions of children and adolescents, did more harm than good, especially to children’s mental and social well-being. We can’t repeat the same mistakes,” WHO Europe’s Regional Director, Hans Henri P Kluge, said via a statement on Friday.
The WHO said that the increase in numbers has already triggered an immediate response from national and local governments to protect the schools in the region that stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.
“A total of 45 countries and territories recommended that schools remain open for in-person learning with infection prevention and control. Seven countries opted for full or partial school closures, either at a national or sub-national level, and two countries recommend distance learning,” said the WHO statement.
ALSO READ: Odisha Govt Asks Teachers To Get Both Doses Of COVID Vaccine By Oct-End