Thread by @mmidsp

Pakistan is gradually moving towards restoring pre-COVID normalcy. It is important that decisions, especially those pertaining to health & safety of our children, are based on observations and scientific data compiled & reported from all over the world and not on unfounded fear.

Studies specifically looking at children & adolescents younger than 18yrs of age, suggest COVID-19 transmission among children in schools may be low. Most children if infected, have milder disease pattern, less severity b/c of lower susceptibility to SARS-CoV2 compared to adults.

Children account for 1-7% of COVID-19 cases, far less need for hospitalization and have < 0.1% (0.1% in China, 0.69% in Europe with children between 2-10 years of age at lowest risk) of COVID-19-related deaths.

In-person schooling is in the best interest of students for normal development including physical and mental health. For safety of the students appropriate mitigation measures similar to those implemented at other essential workplaces have to be implemented.

The best available evidence from countries that have opened schools indicates that COVID-19 poses low risks to school-aged children, at least in areas with low community transmission, and suggests that children are unlikely to be major drivers of the spread of the virus.

Ensuring hand hygiene, physical distancing for all and use of masks in children over 12 years of age and for all teachers & staff, good ventilation and early diagnosis of affected staff and students through simple screening measures can help keep our schools open and functional.

Engagement of teachers, parents and health authorities is important in devising innovative ways of ensuring safety of students, staff and their families. Local adaptation and reliable implementation of recommended measures and SOPs should be ensured in the coming months.

The preventive measures and strategies will have to reviewed and revised periodically, as new data becomes available.
The preventive measures and strategies will have to reviewed and revised periodically, as new data becomes available.
#coronavirus #COVID19 #Pakistan

Medical experts say Covid-19 rare in children, back reopening of schools
MMIDSP notes restaurants, parks already open, schools can be too.
However, precautions must be taken as the spread of the virus has decreased but the pandemic is not over. @etribune
tribune.com.pk/story/2263476/…

MMIDSP urges government and school administrations to ensure maximum compliance with #COVID19 preventive measures and the official SOPs. Also urge parents to make their children understand the importance of SOPs and help them follow preventive guidelines.

dawn.com/news/1578996

“As studies came out, we came to know that the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions and low immunity levels are very vulnerable to #COVID19. School-aged children are at low risk and are unlikely to be major drivers of the spread of the disease"
dawn.com/news/1578996

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