Global

NEW YORK, 18 December 2020 – In countries around the world, migrant and displaced children have been largely excluded from national response and recovery plans to the COVID-19 pandemic and have experienced a significant reduction in access to essential services and care, UNICEF announced today. These findings are based on data collected through a…

NEW YORK, 15 December 2020 – “The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on children’s education around the globe. Vaccinating teachers is a critical step towards putting it back on track.  “At their peak in late April 2020, nationwide school closures disrupted the learning of almost 90 per cent of students worldwide. While that number has dropped…

GENEVA/NEW YORK, 14 December 2020 – Around 1.8 billion people are at heightened risk of COVID-19 and other diseases because they use or work in health care facilities without basic water services, warn WHO and UNICEF. “Working in a health care facility without water, sanitation and hygiene is akin to sending nurses and doctors to work without…

NEW YORK, 8 December 2020 – The number of schoolchildren affected by COVID-19-related school closures soared by 38 per cent in November, placing significant strain on the learning progress and well-being of an additional 90 million students globally. According to data collected by UNESCO, classrooms for nearly 1 in 5 schoolchildren globally – or…

NEW YORK, 4 December 2020 – “COVID-19 is the first truly global crisis we have seen in our lifetimes. No matter where we live, the pandemic affects every one of us. Children have been seriously impacted. However, with more news about promising vaccines, and as we begin to imagine a day when COVID-19 is behind us, our guiding principle must be that…

NEW YORK, 19 November 2020 – UNICEF warned in a new report today of significant and growing consequences for children as the COVID-19 pandemic lurches toward a second year. Released ahead of World Children’s Day,  Averting a Lost COVID Generation   is the first UNICEF report to comprehensively outline the dire and growing consequences for children…

As schools reopen, it’s important that precautions are taken both inside and outside the classroom to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This article aims to support teachers with information and tips on: Physical distancing at school Practicing health and hand hygiene  Cleaning and disinfecting tips for the classroom  Actions to take if a student…, Physical distancing at schools, When it comes to physical distancing, it is important that you establish some classroom ground rules in accordance with the procedures established by your school’s administration, as well as the protocols established by your respective country’s Ministry of Health and/or local health bodies and authorities. Recommended measures include: Maintain a…, Health and hand hygiene, Teachers have a critical role to play in ensuring students understand the precautions they should take to protect themselves and others from COVID-19, and it is important you lead by example in the classroom. Handwashing is one of easiest, more cost efficient and effective way of combating the spread of germs and keeping students and staff healthy…, Cleaning and disinfecting, Information on how to maintain the cleanliness and sanitization of your classroom. Daily cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and objects that are touched often, such as desks, countertops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, hands-on learning items, taps, phones and toys. Immediately clean surfaces and objects that are visibly soiled. If surfaces or…, Actions to take if one of your students appears to be sick, Identifying COVID-19 symptoms The most common symptoms are fever, cough, and tiredness. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, confusion, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and skin rashes.   School…

NEW YORK, 19 October 2020 – As the world awaits a COVID-19 vaccine, UNICEF has begun  laying the groundwork  for the rapid, safe and efficient delivery of the eventual vaccine by purchasing and pre-positioning syringes and other necessary equipment. As soon as COVID-19 vaccines successfully emerge from trials and are licensed and recommended for…

Travelling is a part of life for families across the globe – be it for necessity or recreation. But with the onset of coronavirus, this part of everyday life has become increasingly risky. If you find that you and your loved ones need to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some tips to help you do so more safely.  , Is it okay to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic?, All travel comes with some risk of getting or spreading COVID-19. Before you travel, check if COVID-19 is spreading in your local area and in any of the places you are going. Do not travel if you or your family are sick, have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days. Family members who are at higher…, How should we prepare to travel together as a family?, If you do choose to travel, check for any travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders, quarantining and testing requirements in your local area and all places you’re planning to visit (check websites of Ministries of Health, Ministries of Foreign Affairs and local health authorities). Keep in mind, these policies may change with little advance notice…, What should we do if we plan to spend the night away from home?, If you plan to stay at a hotel or other accommodation, check in advance what prevention measures they have in place: Are staff wearing masks at work and practicing physical distancing, frequent handwashing? Are extra precautions in place, such as plexiglass barriers at check-in, modified layouts or barriers to allow for physical distancing between…, What safety precautions should we take while travelling?, While travelling, all parents and caregivers should take standard precautions for themselves and their children: Wash your hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub   > Read more on handwashing Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth) Avoid crowded places, confined and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation Try to…, What should we do when we return home?, After you return home, follow recommendations or requirements from your national or local authorities, and continue to follow all the key precautions – including watching for any symptoms of COVID-19 and seeking medical advice if they develop.

Getting outdoors is a favourite pastime of adults and children alike. But with the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, parents are faced with navigating how to enjoy being outside while protecting their family’s health. Consider this your “cheat sheet” for safer outdoor fun!  , Can COVID-19 spread outdoors?, Unfortunately, yes. COVID-19 can spread anywhere where you may come into close contact with an infected person. Remember, the virus spreads mainly via respiratory droplets that are released from an infected person through coughing, sneezing, talking or singing – which then get into the mouth, nose or eyes of people who are nearby. Short-range…, How can my family safely spend time outside together?, Staying physically active is one of the best ways every member of the family can keep their minds and bodies healthy. By taking some key steps, you can help your family minimize the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. When planning outings, try to avoid peak times and crowded settings and take routes that are less congested wherever possible.…, Is it safe for our family to spend time in a small group of close friends? How do you decide whether or not someone is safe to spend time with?, Every family has to take decisions based on their own situation. Here are some key factors to consider: Keep updated on the level of COVID-19 transmission in your local community. In general, the higher the rate of transmission, the higher the risk of potential exposure in public settings. If you live with people who have an increased risk for…, Is it safe to use a public toilet?, Encourage your family to use the toilet before leaving your home and try to minimize using public ones, as you don’t know how crowded they may be. If you need to use a public restroom, keep a distance of at least 1 metre from others, wear a mask and wash your hands with soap and water immediately afterwards. If soap and water are not available,…, Is it safe for my child to go swimming (both indoors and outdoors)?, There is currently no evidence that the COVID-19 virus can spread through natural bodies of water or recreational waters such as pools. If you are considering going swimming with your family, first check the latest guidelines from your local authorities, which may vary depending on the local level of disease transmission. If pools and beaches are…

New York, 23 September 2020 – The World Health Organization (WHO) together with the UN, specialised agencies and partners today called on countries to develop and implement action plans to promote the timely dissemination of science-based information and prevent the spread of false information while respecting freedom of expression. WHO, the UN,…

NEW YORK/LONDON, 17 September 2020 – The number of children living in multidimensional poverty has soared to approximately 1.2 billion due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new UNICEF and Save the Children  analysis  published today. This is a 15 per cent increase in the number of children living in deprivation in low- and middle-income…