The following is a copy of the statement of 11 medical professionals on school closures due to the coronavirus and its impact on children and adolescents.

It also offers 12 recommendations on how schools can be reopened safely, with little to no risk among children and adolescent learners.

Editor’s Note: Experts from various countries have reiterated the same points raised in this statement: that COVID-19 presents minimal risk to children, that children are not spreaders of the coronavirus, and young learners need to back in school so they can continue to have in-person connections with their peers and teachers.

If our government is truly dedicated to an evidence-based approach to the coronavirus pandemic, then the science is very clear: there is no reason to prevent children to interact with each other [if you have done your own research and are convinced that face-to-face classes must resume, then sign the petition started by several concerned parents, see Overcome the fear: Sign petition to end lockdowns of children and the youth].

Read Original Statement