Awareness Among Families Could Reduce Incidents at Schools

School Cases May Decline Thanks to Conscious Families In a statement from İTÜ Geliştirme Vakfı Okulları, it was noted that the number of cases in schools during the second term could decrease if conscious families adhere to precautions during the mid-term break. In a statement from İTÜ Geliştirme Vakfı, families were reminded of their responsibilities. The statement, which outlined the precautions to be taken regarding the coronavirus outbreak, emphasized that families must also follow these precautions during the mid-term break. The statement noted that by adhering to precautions during the mid-term break, the number of cases in schools during the second term could decrease.

İTÜ Geliştirme Vakfı Okulları Reminds of Precautions Against Coronavirus During Mid-Term Break

The new Omicron variant of coronavirus, which has infected 343 million people worldwide and caused 5.57 million deaths, continues to affect daily life. The Omicron variant has also caused an increase in new cases in Turkey. In a statement from İTÜ Geliştirme Vakfı, the precautions families should take during the mid-term break were recalled, and it was emphasized that these precautions could reduce cases in schools during the second term. On 21 February, students received their report cards and the mid-term break began. Educators and health experts are pointing out what needs to be considered for a healthy start to the second term. It is emphasized that if coronavirus precautions are implemented, it is possible to reduce the number of cases below current levels. Prof. Dr. Lerzan Özkale, Board Member of İTÜ Geliştirme Vakfı Okulları, made statements on the matter. Prof. Dr. Lerzan Özkale noted that the transition back to face-to-face education has brought a serious adaptation process for both students and educators; students of any age derive great joy from sharing the same physical learning environment in the classroom with their peers and teachers, and have achieved very important gains.  

"We Owe Thanks to Each and Every One as Educators"

Prof. Dr. Özkale stated: "Our students of all ages made outstanding efforts in the first term both to readjust to face-to-face education and to pay attention to precautions due to rising Covid cases. Their families supported these efforts. At the very beginning of the pandemic, we prepared a detailed roadmap for our schools and implemented the steps meticulously from day one. In the autumn, at the start of the school year, with the support of expert academics, we informed all our parents again about precautions and answered their questions in detail. Throughout the year, it was gratifying to see the diligence of families and students in implementing precautions. Through this, we managed to provide an uninterrupted and productive learning environment. We owe thanks to each and every one as educators."

Families Have the Power to Change the Course of the Outbreak in Society

Noting that students deserve a good vacation after this difficult period, Özkale said: "We wanted to remind families that by making conscious plans during the mid-term break, they have the power to change the course of the outbreak in society. Our recommendation to them is to avoid large gatherings, particularly in the second week of the break, and activities that would strain social distancing rules. Spend the second week as much as possible in contact with nature, away from enclosed spaces. In this way, our children will be able to overcome the fear and anxiety they experienced over two years in a shorter time and will have taken an important step in protecting their physical health."

Do Not Relax Mask and Distance Rules

In a statement from İTÜ Geliştirme Vakfı, recommendations were also made to families for the mid-term break. In the shared recommendations, attention was drawn to social distancing rules with items such as: hold large gatherings, medical check-ups, and travels preferably in the first week of the mid-term break; prioritize outdoor activities throughout the break. The statement also included recommendations such as: pay attention to students' healthy nutrition, prefer fresh foods over junk food, do not significantly change sleep schedules, and when organizing meetings with family elders and friends, do not relax mask and distance rules. Finally, the recommendation was shared to watch cheerful books, music and films that will keep students' morale high during vacation; spend quality time together by playing family games.