Covid-19: Open primary schools first, suggests ICMR's Balram Bhargava

Many countries, especially Scandinavian nations, did not shut down their primary schools through all waves of Covid: Bhargava

Children are capable of handling viral infections much better than adults and once districts decide to open schools, it would be wise to start with primary schools, said Balram Bhargava, director-general of the Indian Council of Medical Research.

The latest findings of the national serosurvey show that exposure to Covid among children is similar to adults. Explaining the better response among children, Bhargava said young children have fewer receptors where the virus attaches. He also said many countries, especially Scandinavian nations, did not shut down their primary schools through all waves of Covid.