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Table 4 School strategies in different countries in response to COVID-19

From: Children with COVID-19 behaving milder may challenge the public policies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

UK [54]

Localized closures have been implemented since 28 Feb. All educational settings are closed to everyone except the children of critical workers and vulnerable childrena since 20 March and will stay closed until further notice.

US [55]

School-based strategies (e.g., short-term or extended dismissals, event cancellations, social distancing measures) are adopted locally in collaboration with local health officials based on level of community transmission of COVID-19 and presence of COVID-19 cases within the school, combined with open child care programsb like private child care centers for essential service providers. The majority of States have mandated school closures since 10 April, including until the end of the academic year in June. Some States, however, have recommended but not mandated the school closures.

Italy [56]

Some schools in the heaviest hit area have been shut down since 24 Feb. Mandatory closure of all schools and universities across the country were implemented from 10 March and will remain shut until 3 May.

France [57]

All nurseries, schools, colleges, high schools and universities are closed from 16 March and will gradually reopen from 11 May with the exception of universities, which will not reopen until the summer. Childcare services are established for staff who are essential to the management of the health crisis.

German [58]

Temporarily closing kindergartens and schools and postponing restart of colleges were implemented in state levels since mid-March are to be extended until 3 May 2020. Schools remain open for those who are willing to continue classes in some states. Daycare centres are available and will continue and will be extended to other occupational and needed groups.

  1. Note: aVulnerable children include children who are supported by social care, those with safeguarding and welfare needs, including child in need plans, on child protection plans, ‘looked after’ children, young carers, disabled children and those with education, health and care (EHC) plans
  2. bOther open child care programs are home-based child care, pre-kindergarten programs, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, temporary child care centers, and child care centers that partner with healthcare facilities to support healthcare workers who need child care