The “Interim strategic indications for preparedness and readiness for the mitigation of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the school environment (school year 2022-2023) were published yesterday. The document, which concerns the schools of the first and second cycle of education, was developed by ISS, with the Ministries of Health and Education and the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces, and proposes, on the one hand, standard prevention measures for the beginning of the school year which take into account the current framework, on the other hand, further interventions to be progressively modulated on the basis of the risk assessment and the possible change in the epidemiological framework. A double 'level' that allows the system adequate preparation and rapid activation of measures as needed. Within a few days, a specific document will be published with indications for kindergartens.
Basic preventive measures in place at the time of school resumption
The document identifies as possible basic preventive measures for school recovery:
- School stay allowed only without symptoms / fever and without diagnostic test for positive SARS-CoV-2
- Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
- Use of respiratory protective equipment (FFP2) for school staff and pupils who are at risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19
- Ordinary (periodic) and extraordinary sanitation in the presence of one or more confirmed cases
- Tools for managing suspected / confirmed cases and contacts
- Frequent air changes
Possible additional measures, to be implemented individually or in combination
The document identifies as possible further preventive measures on the basis of any public health needs and changes in the epidemiological situation:
- Spacing of at least 1 m (where logistical and structural conditions allow it)
- Precautions in moments at risk of aggregation
- Increased frequency of periodic sanitization
- Management of extracurricular activities, workshops, ensuring the implementation of preventive measures
- Surgical masks, or FFP2, in a static and / or dynamic position (to be modulated in the different contexts and phases of school attendance)
- Concession of gyms / clubs to third parties with the obligation to sanitize
- Administration of meals in canteens with shifts
- Consumption of snacks at the counter