In schools, simple measures can be effective in helping reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
In a March 8, 2020 article in Usable Knowledge, a publication based at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, public health experts and educators said it’s a good idea to encourage handwashing, make sure restrooms are well-stocked with soap, paper towels, and hot water, and educate students about the importance of long-term health.
“Frequent handwashing with soap and hot water for 20 seconds is a proven way to reduce disease transmission,” said Marc Lipsitch, professor of epidemiology and director of the Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Howard Koh, Harvey V. Fineberg Professor of the Practice of Public Health Leadership at Harvard Chan School, said that focusing on prevention along with education can help stem the spread of disease and benefit students.
“All of these critical measures can support young people as they learn not only to protect themselves but also their communities in the midst of a global public health crisis,” he said. “We need their action and commitment to become the prevention advocates of the future.”
Read the Usable Knowledge article: To Prepare for the Coronavirus, Simple Measures Are Often Most Effective