What measures are countries taking to keep schools open amidst Omicron surge?

Take a look at the different measures undertaken by countries globally to keep their schools running as Omicron cases rise.

States in India may still be on the fence on reopening schools for children, but countries internationally have taken the lead in 'living with the virus' and not compromising on education for school-going children of younger age groups as well.

Based on the lessons from the past two years, several nations have decided to keep schools open and have succeeded in doing so with reinforced health and safety protocols in place.

According to a survey conducted by UNESCO, on best practices being followed in a dozen countries, nations such as Brazil, France, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Palestine, Ukraine are using traffic light monitoring systems that trigger different measures according to changing levels of infection.

It also found out that nations like Canada, France, United Kingdom, and Italy are using mass rapid testing for children going to school.

Data released by UNESCO, shows that 135 countries opened their schools, while schools have been suspended temporarily in only 25 countries globally.

This is in stark contrast with the same period last year when schools were closed and learning was fully remote in at least 40 nations.

Various approaches ranging from strict to high-risk and wait and watch are being used by countries to keep children in schools.