COVID-19 shut schools in 19 nations risk ‘generational catastrophe’: UN

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"governments have too often shut down schools and kept them closed for prolonged periods, even when the epidemiological situation didn't warrant it,” a statement from the leaders of UNICEF and UNESCO. Source: Khalil Mazraawi/AFP

Schools remain shut in 19 countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting 156 million children in what risks being “a generational catastrophe,” the heads of two UN agencies warned Monday.

The statement from the leaders of UNICEF and UNESCO, responsible for children’s issues and education, said “governments have too often shut down schools and kept them closed for prolonged periods, even when the epidemiological situation didn’t warrant it.”

The effects of closures range from lower educational achievement to mental health problems and increased malnutrition. Source: Michael loccisano/AFP

They advised that “they should be the last to close and the first to reopen,” with the effects of closures ranging from lower educational achievement to mental health problems and increased malnutrition.

“We urge decision-makers and governments to prioritise the safe reopening of schools to avoid a generational catastrophe,” UNICEF leader Henrietta Fore and UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay wrote.

“Closing schools mortgages our future for unclear benefits to our present. We must prioritise better. We can re-open them safely, and we must,” they added.