Minsa reports what to do with suspected cases of COVID-19 in schools and what refreshments should be like

Given the possible appearance of some cases of COVID-19 in school classrooms, after the return to face-to-face classes, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) informs citizens what recommendations are to ensure that the virus does not spread among students and teachers.

In a statement, they indicated that teachers and staff working in educational institutions are responsible for daily monitoring compliance with biosafety measures.

These measures are those already known: the correct use of masks, social distancing, being aware of the presence of symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 in schools, checking that doors and windows remain open to allow permanent ventilation.

IN CASE OF SYMPTOMS OF COVID

But, in addition, they also reported what protocol is to be followed, in the event that a student has any symptoms of acute respiratory infection, fever, cough or sore throat, general malaise, headache, diarrhea, nasal congestion or loss of smell. If these symptoms occur, the student should not go to the school.

If the student has any of the symptoms described at the time of school, they must be removed from the classroom and inform the parents or caregivers to be picked up. Only the classroom will quarantine.

In the event that any teacher or staff of the educational institution has any of the symptoms described above, they must be removed from the classroom and will be attended by the school health institution.

REFRIGERIO

At snack time, each student must consume the food they bring from home in an open or ventilated space, for which a physical distance of 1 meter will be kept and supervised by a teacher.

Finally, Minsa pointed out that each educational institution must strive to ensure the best biosecurity conditions in order to create a safe environment for children and adolescents in school, free from COVID-19.

HEALTH RESTRICTIONS COULD BE REMOVED

On the other hand, the Minister of Education, Rosendo Serna, spoke on Wednesday about the possibility of eliminating social distancing of one meter in classrooms and allowing 100% capacity in public schools, taking into account that epidemiological figures fell considerably in recent months and vaccines are fulfilling their function.

The head of Minedu said that the elimination of biosafety protocols and health restrictions in schools and colleges is recommended by the authorities of the Ministry of Health (Minsa) and that only one meter distance between schoolchildren remains in force, which in practice is not observed.

“Most Latin American countries have returned to the classroom without any restrictions, as is the case in Colombia; eliminating protocols is one of the approaches before the Council of Ministers, but if any type of regrowth were detected we would have to act quickly; the establishment of cafes and kiosks would be the following step,” he said.

In addition, on the return to classrooms, he reported that so far an average of 85% of public educational institutions in 22 regions started school classes and that next Monday 28 100% of schools and colleges will be open.

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