Q&A: SCHOOLS AND COVID-19
QUESTION: Are children at lower risk of Covid-19 than adults?
ANSWER: So far, data suggests that children under the age of 18 years represent about 8.5 percent of reported cases, with relatively few deaths compared to other age groups and usually mild disease.
However, cases of critical illness have been reported. As with adults, pre-existing medical conditions have been suggested as a risk factor for severe disease and intensive care admission in children.
Further studies are underway to assess the risk of infection in children and to better understand transmission in this age group.
Q: What is the role of children in transmission?
A: The role of children in transmission is not yet fully understood. To date, few outbreaks involving children or schools have been reported.
However, the small number of outbreaks reported among teaching or associated staff to date suggests that spread of Covid-19 within educational settings may be limited.
As children generally have milder illness and fewer symptoms, cases may sometimes go unnoticed. Importantly, early data from studies suggest that infection rates among teenagers may be higher than in younger children.
Considering that many countries are starting to slowly lift restrictions on activities, the longerterm effects of keeping schools open on community transmission are yet to be evaluated.
Some modelling studies suggest that school re-opening might have a small effect on wider transmission in the community, but this is not well understood.
Further studies are underway on the role of children in transmission in and outside of educational settings. WHO is collaborating with scientists around the world to develop protocols that countries can use to study Covid-19 transmission in educational institutions.
Q: Should children with underlying health conditions (asthma, diabetes, obesity) return to school?
A: Whether a child should go to school depends on their health condition, the current transmission of Covid-19 within their community, and the protective measures the school and community have in place to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission.
While current evidence suggests that the risk of severe disease for children is lower overall than for adults, special precautions can be taken to minimise the risk of infection among children, and the benefits of returning to school should also be considered.
Current evidence suggests that people with underlying conditions such as chronic respiratory illness including asthma (moderate-to-severe), obesity, diabetes or cancer, are at higher risk of developing severe disease and death than people without other health conditions. This also appears to be the case for children, but more information is still needed.
Q: Should teachers and other staff with underlying health conditions return to school?
A: Adults 60 years and older and people with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for severe disease and death.
The decision to return to a teaching environment depends on the individual and should include consideration of local disease trends, as well as the measures being put in place in schools to prevent further spread.
Q: What is the incubation period for children?
A: The incubation period for children is the same as in adults. The time between exposure to Covid-19 and when symptoms start is commonly around five to six days, and ranges from one to 14 days.
Q: What benefits would school re-opening provide?
A: School closures have clear negative impacts on child health, education and development, family income and the overall economy.
The decision to reopen schools should include consideration of the following benefits:
• Allowing students to complete their studies and continue to the next level
• Essential services, access to nutrition, child welfare, such as preventing violence against children
• Social and psychological well-being
• Access to reliable information on how to keep themselves and others safe
• Reducing the risk of non-return to school
• Benefit to society, such as allowing parents to work. - World Health Organisation.