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Suggestions from SLCP to protect schoolchildren
View(s):With schools set to open on a staggered basis for their students, the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians (SLCP) has recommended certain measures. Pre-schools and day-care centres are scheduled to open on July 1; Grades 5, 11 & 13 on July 6; Grades 10 & 12 on July 20; and Grades 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 & 9 on July 27.
Pointing out that a large majority of schoolchildren will be asymptomatic but could spread the infection to their parents or grandparents, the SLCP warns that there could also be occasional ‘super-spreaders’ who could aggravate the situation.
Hand washing, social distancing and wearing face-masks are the most important measures that can control the spread; when distancing cannot be at least two metres, masks should be mandatory for all children above 2 years, the paediatricians urge.
Some of the other highlights of the SLCP include: masks should be re-useable cloth masks, except for the vulnerable (immune suppressed, those with co-morbidities etc.) who need N95 masks, with information being provided on how to discard masks as well; no days or hours should be added to catch up for lost school days to cover the syllabus; identifying and removing non-essential content from the syllabus and leaving only what is manageable for the remaining time; avoiding keeping children in enclosed rooms for long hours as much as possible; and keeping windows open or trying some open-air classes.
Schools being disinfected against COVID-19. Pix by Sameera Weerasekera and Ishanka Sunimal