As the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved, a lack of guidance in health, safety and hygiene protocols in schools have been identified. There has also been a fundamental shift in perceptions toward hygiene, sanitation, and safety in educational institutions.

Responding to the observations and widespread acknowledgement of these gaps will require ensuring that educational institutions, both public and private, have procedures in place to prevent the spread of illness and that staff are educated and equipped to enact these procedures as part of an immediate preventative risk management strategy. Independent verification of permanently implemented and maintained procedures will be key to mitigating risk in schools.