Screenings in schools had previously only been recommended if a cluster of Covid-19 cases had been identified, but the WHO now believes PCR or rapid antigen tests should be given even in the absence of symptoms among students and staff. Also Read - Dipu Moni: Scientific evidence to guide decision on SSC, HSC examsHe added that closing schools "as we have seen, have such a harmful effect on the education, social and mental well-being of our children and youth." "We can't allow the pandemic to rob children of their education and development," said Kluge, who has repeatedly called for countries in the WHO's European Region to address dropout rates and health effects linked to distance learning. The WHO's European Region spans 53 countries and territories and includes several in Central Asia. For the UN agencies, closing schools "should be considered only as a measure of last resort," when there is an explosion of cases that cannot be controlled by other measures.

Source: Dhaka Tribune July 02, 2021 14:59 UTC