Coronavirus Impacts Education

A record number of children and youth are not attending school because of temporary or indefinite school closures mandated by governments in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 (link is external). As of 4 March, 22 countries in three different continents have announced or implemented school closures. UNESCO is providing immediate support to countries, including solutions for inclusive distance learning.

Thirteen countries have shut schools nationwide, impacting almost 290 million children and youth who would normally attend pre-primary to upper-secondary classes. A further nine countries have implemented localized school closures to prevent or contain the spread of COVID-19. Should these countries also order nationwide school closures, it would prevent an additional 180 million children and youth from attending school.