290m Students Out of School for COVID-19: UNESCO

The Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization of the United Nations (UNESCO) has said that around 290 million children are out of school due to coronavirus spreading across 13 countries.

"We are working with countries to ensure continuity of learning for all, including vulnerable children and youth who appear to be the hardest hit by school closures," said a statement released yesterday by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

“While temporary school closures as a result of health and other crises are not new, unfortunately, the global scale and speed of the current educational disruption are unparalleled and, if prolonged, could threaten the right to education.”

From March 4 onwards, 22 countries from 3 different continents have announced or applied school closures. 

UNESCO has been working to find answers to the rapidly spreading COVID-19. The organization will continue to monitor the size, scale and geographic spread of school closures, and stands ready to provide immediate support.

Coronavirus has killed more than 3,000 people worldwide since originating in China last December.