[SY8-1] COVID-19 and School Health in Taiwan
To date（ 09 Jul 2021）, the confirmed case of COVID-19 among students were 677 cases（ university/college:215, high school: 108, junior high school: 105, elementary school: 177, kindergarten: 72） and no death were reported.
Regarding schooling during COVID-19, World Health Organization suggested that schools should be among the last places to be closed because closure of schools is detrimental to youth health, well-being and educational outcomes. However, during May to July 2021, the nationwide Level 3 epidemic alert in Taiwan was announced,
schools were closed and online learning were implemented. According to a national representative online survey for students （n=18,265） in Taiwan during this period （May to July 2021）, most students reported that they wanted to return schools（ 64.3%）, their learning were behind schedule（ 42.3%）, 74.0% of them felt depressed due to lacking of social activities, and 80.0% of them concerned to be infected. Currently, the school health policy for COVID-19 in Taiwan includes:（ 1） All teachers and school employees are vaccinated（ at least one vaccine dose）.（2） All Wearing masks indoors and outdoors excluding eating and drinking. （3） Parents and visitors are not
allowed to entry schools.（ 4） For educational activities, social distance（ 1.5 meter） is required and gatherings are 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors.
In conclusion, school health professionals should routinely screen for depression, anxiety and physical health for students during COVID-19 pandemic. More school-based or online interventions aiming to improve youth’s physical and mental health are urgently needed.
Regarding schooling during COVID-19, World Health Organization suggested that schools should be among the last places to be closed because closure of schools is detrimental to youth health, well-being and educational outcomes. However, during May to July 2021, the nationwide Level 3 epidemic alert in Taiwan was announced,
schools were closed and online learning were implemented. According to a national representative online survey for students （n=18,265） in Taiwan during this period （May to July 2021）, most students reported that they wanted to return schools（ 64.3%）, their learning were behind schedule（ 42.3%）, 74.0% of them felt depressed due to lacking of social activities, and 80.0% of them concerned to be infected. Currently, the school health policy for COVID-19 in Taiwan includes:（ 1） All teachers and school employees are vaccinated（ at least one vaccine dose）.（2） All Wearing masks indoors and outdoors excluding eating and drinking. （3） Parents and visitors are not
allowed to entry schools.（ 4） For educational activities, social distance（ 1.5 meter） is required and gatherings are 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors.
In conclusion, school health professionals should routinely screen for depression, anxiety and physical health for students during COVID-19 pandemic. More school-based or online interventions aiming to improve youth’s physical and mental health are urgently needed.