Statement on the Education Situation of Children and Adolescents
4 June 2020 – Many countries around the world closed schools due to the current SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) pandemic. This was a logical response in the early days of the epidemic when there was a lack of data and many unknown variables concerning Covid-19. After the ensuing months of data collection and scientific evidence and analysis gathered from around the world, evidence-based discussions can now take place to inform policy- and decision-making. One of the emerging areas of concern revolves around HOW TO EXIT FROM THE LOCKDOWNS and quarantines and WHAT TO DO ABOUT EDUCATION?
Who is actually at risk or a danger to others in the corona pandemic?
Experts in virology, immunology and epidemiology have stated, based on the data, that Covid-19 is a virus that primarily affects the elderly with comorbidities and to a lesser extent, those who are immuno-compromised. Children are least affected and the risks to children are extremely small.1It can be assumed that the lethality of the disease Covid 19 in children is close to 0. (Global Covid-19 Case Fatality Rates. CEBM.net I Jason Oke, Carl Heneghan I Updated 28 May 2020). At the epicenter of the US epidemic, New York, the death rate per 100,000 for children 0-17 is 0.64. Updated June 3, 2020. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1109867/coronavirus-death- rates-by-age-new-york-city/ “We do know that children are much less likely to get sick or show symptoms with Covid-19.” https://infekt.ch/2020/04/schulen-schliessen-hilfreich-oder-nicht/ “COVID-19 appears to affect children less often, and with less severity, including frequent asymptomatic or subclinical infection.” As quoted from Alasdair Munro, a clinical research fellow in paediatric infectious diseases, regarding the large review of 78 available studies conducted by the UK Royal College of Paediatrics. In Iceland, where 13% of the population was tested, none of the 848 children tested were positive. https://time.com/5831580/iceland-coronavirus-tests/ “There has been a failure to clarify to parents the truth about the extremely low risk to children, and that has accompanied a gross failure to offer a rational medical perspective regarding schools reopening. Younger, healthier people have virtually zero risk of death and an extremely small risk of serious disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that of 54,861 U.S. deaths from COVID-19, only 12, or 0.02 percent, have been in children under 14. That compares to CDC estimates that childhood deaths from influenza are nearly 600 in the most recent data. Of 15,756 deaths in New York City, only eight, or 0.05 percent, have been in those under 18, a pattern confirmed globally. In France, the fatality rate estimated for those under 20 is close to zero, at 0.001 percent; in Spain, it’s similar.” Dr. Scott W. Atlas. Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and the former chief of neuroradiology at Stanford University Medical Center. https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/498180-were-risking-national-suicide-if-we-dont-adjust-our-pandemic-response Opening up schools and kindergartens is unlikely to impact COVID-19 mortality rates in older people, according to a systematic review that spanned 47 publications and was conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. The paper is published in the scientific journal Acta Paediatrica. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200520/Children-not-likely-to-be-main-drivers-of-COVID-19-pandemic-review- suggests.aspx
School Closure and Child Health
There is a lack of medical evidence for the efficacy of school closures when dealing with Corona viruses, as children in general do not develop the Covid disease nor are they among the primary vectors of the virus.3Prof. Dr. med. Pietro Vernazza (Swiss Chief physician of infectiology). https://infekt.ch/2020/04/schulen-schliessen-hilfreich- oder-nicht/ Op. Cit. Dr. Scott W. Atlas. https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/498180-were-risking-national-suicide-if-we-dont-adjust-
our-pandemic-response
School closures deprive children of necessary relationships. The real experience of teachers is essential for the school development path of children because children learn through relationships—relationships with teachers, classmates and friends. Compelling the use of digital teaching methods for all ages is devastating for learning ability and development.4Opinion on the situation of children and adolescents in the Corona Pandemic 2020. Educational-Medical Working Group Witten / Herdecke University. Signed by more than 60 doctors and scientists. https://medsektion-goetheanum.org/fileadmin/
user_upload/StellungnahmeKinderundCorona-5.5.20.pdf We are experiencing a drastic increase in unhealthy and addictive behavior regarding digital media.
Children lack outdoor exercise, exposure to light and to nature. Every additional day that children are exposed to this situation endangers 0their health, weakens their immune system and puts a strain on our future.5Opinion on the situation of children and adolescents in the Corona Pandemic 2020. Educational-Medical Working Group
Witten / Herdecke University. Signed by more than 60 doctors and scientists. https://medsektion-goetheanum.org/fileadmin/
user_upload/Statement_on_the_Situation_of_Children_and_Adolescents_Corona_Pandemic_2020-5-5.pdf
Children with healthy immune systems should not be isolated or kept from attending school and playing together with other children.
Exiting from the Lockdown / Quarantine – Reopening Schools
Illness is a natural part of childhood and part of the education of the immune system. Many experts cite the lack of evidence for school closures and recommend the re-opening of schools as a first step in exiting the lockdowns and quarantines.6https://www.aier.org/article/lockdown-free-sweden-had-it-right-says-world-health-organization-interview-with-prof-johan-giesecke/ Prof. Dr. med. Pietro Vernazza (Swiss Chief physician of infectiology). https://infekt.ch/2020/04/schulen-schliessen-hilfreich- oder-nicht/ Full Statement accessible here: https://dgpi.de/stellungnahme-schulen-und-kitas-sollen-wieder-geoeffnet-werden/
Recommendations to Protect Childhood and Adolescence
• Reopen selected schools and day-care centers with face-to-face interaction as soon as possible in low risk areas.
• Conduct a rapid observation and assessment of these schools and implement re-adjustments as needed.
• Encourage appropriate hand hygiene—hand washing with soap instead of disinfectants at both home and school
• Effective mouth and nose protection only for teaching staff and educators with increased risk; For children 12 yrs old and above; but not for healthy children below 12 years old.
• Encourage well-ventilated classrooms with open windows
• Limit classroom population to 25 students with no further need for social distancing in school
• Encourage appropriate cleaning of surfaces instead of using disinfectants in schools and at home10Recommendations from the Robert Koch Institute on hygiene (including surface disinfection in domestic and public areas):
https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Reinigung_Desinfektion.html
•Support immune system health through: adequate sleep, healthy diet, limited screen time, outdoor activity and a balanced rhythmical home-life.
• Children with fever, cough, or other symptoms of illness should be kept home
• Children who are immuno-compromised should be kept home and protected
• Families should be instructed to maintain extra protection of elderly relatives with existing conditions
• Families should be encouraged and enabled to make informed decisions as to what is best for them given their circumstances
The opinions expressed here are based on the best available science at the present time and are not to be taken as absolutes. Decisions have to be made and for that, the best information from a rational medical perspective is needed. We, the undersigned, present in this document key information to help make informed decisions.
Dr. Divina Hey Gonzales, M.D.
Dr. Grace Zozobrado-Hahn, M.D.
Dr. Cricket Chen, M.D.
Dr. Marian Alonzo, M.D.
Dr. Rosalinda Maglana, M.D.
Dr. Celia Theresa Lim-Layson
Dr. Ferdinand Brawner, M.D.
Dr. Jelyn Felipe, M.D.
Kimberly Diane Smith, L.Ac. M.P.H.
Atty. Rachelle Padre-Isip
Dr. Romy Quijano, M.D., Professor (Ret.) Dep’t of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila
Sign the Petition!
If you want to research about this issue, or you wish to support the call to resume face-to-face classes, visit Overcome the fear: Sign petition to end lockdowns of children and the youth.
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