Minister of Health outlines issues that need to be addressed before the start of the academic year

About 4,000 children have been infected with coronavirus in Uzbekistan so far. This is stated in the report of the Health Ministry.

“Nowadays, the issue of starting the new academic year in schools is one of the most important tasks. It is especially essential to pay attention to important aspects: to strengthen the material and technical base of schools, to maintain social distance in classrooms, to create adequate conditions for hand washing, to control the wearing of masks, to isolate patients identified during the lesson, to adapt toilets to sanitary requirements, to ensure hygiene in kitchens. Special attention is needed for children with chronic diseases and disabilities.

Minister of Health Alisher Shadmanov stressed that in the current situation, first of all, it is very important that schools meet the necessary requirements. According to the Minister, in this case, it is necessary to take into account the following factors and eliminate them before the start of the academic year:

• absence of drinking water in some educational institutions;
• non-compliance of school kitchens and toilets with sanitary and hygienic requirements;
• issues related to maintaining social distance on school grounds during the day;

Although coronavirus in children is often mild or without clinical signs (symptoms), it should be borne in mind that they are one of the main carriers of the virus and that they can infect adults in their families, especially relatives at risk, and lead to an increase in disease among the population.

“The fact that the coronavirus is mild in children does not mean that we can be complacent about it. Because the situation in a number of countries shows the opposite. Therefore, I would like to ask about 10,000 medical workers, teachers and local authorities responsible for organizing the process at schools to take the measures seriously,” the Minister said.

The ministry has asked all parents and educators to take a responsible approach to the process ahead of the new academic year.

It should be noted that schools in Uzbekistan are scheduled to open on 5 September.