If there is low COVID-19 transmission in the community and all the safety guidelines are followed, schools can reopen.

That advice comes from a spokesperson for the World Health Organization which has issued guidelines for schools as they begin to reopen.

Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove suggests limiting the number of children per class, allowing for physical distancing, having hand sanitizer readily available, and having a school policy on wearing a mask, in line with national or local guidance.

Dr. Kerkhove says the information on transmission of COVID-19 for children is still vague.

Most children who have been infected have mild symptoms or none at all, but that’s not universal and school staff also have to be taken into consideration.

She notes that if there is transmission of the virus in the community, there can also be transmission in schools.

(CJWW)