Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) technical guidance: Guidance for schools, workplaces & institutions

To view all of WHO’s country and technical guidance on COVID-19 please visit our publications hub

COVID-19 and Food Safety: Guidance for competent authorities responsible for national food safety control systems

COVID-19 and the measures taken to mitigate the global impact of the pandemic have disrupted food production and food supply chains worldwide. However, ensuring a continuous and safe food supply is a critical issue for the health of all people, everywhere. This guidance document provides advice and recommendations for national food safety authorities to optimize food control functions and prioritize critical services that preserve the integrity of food safety systems.

- Access the publication (Uploaded on 23 April 2020)

COVID-19 and food safety: Guidance for food businesses

This guidance document is intended for food businesses to assist them with measures that can contribute to keep the COVID-19 virus out of food premises and protect their workforce from getting the disease.

- Access the publication (7 April 2020)

Operational considerations for COVID-19 management in the accommodation sector

Hotels and tourism accommodation establishments are places where guests stay temporarily in close cohabitation and where there is a high degree of interaction among guests and workers, which requires specific attention in the context of COVID-19. The document offer guidance to collective tourism accommodation establishments such as hotels and similar establishments, holiday and other short-stay accommodation, and campsites.

- Access the publication (30 April 2020)

Preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 in prisons and other places of detention

Prisons and other places of detention are enclosed environments where people (including staff) live in close proximity. Every country has a responsibility to increase their level of preparedness, alert and response to identify, manage and care for new cases of COVID-19. Countries should prepare to respond to different public health scenarios, recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing cases and outbreaks of COVID-19. Four transmission scenarios that could be experienced by countries at the subnational level have been defined for COVID-19, and countries should therefore adjust and tailor their approach to the local context.

- Access the guidance (15 March 2020)

Key Messages and Actions for COVID-19 Prevention and Control in Schools

The purpose of this document is to provide clear and actionable guidance for safe operations through the prevention, early detection and control of COVID-19 in schools and other educational facilities. The guidance, while specific to countries that have already confirmed the transmission of COVID-19, is still relevant in all other contexts. Education can encourage students to become advocates for disease prevention and control at home, in school, and in their community by talking to others about how to prevent the spread of viruses. Maintaining safe school operations or reopening schools after a closure requires many considerations but, if done well, can promote public health.

- Key Messages and Actions for COVID-19 Prevention and Control in Schools (March 2020)

Considerations for school-related public health measures in the context of COVID-19

The purpose of this document is to offer considerations for decision-makers and educators on how to create and support a safe environment in schools in the context of COVID-19. These decisions have important implications for children, parents or caregivers, teachers and other staff, communities, and society at large.

- Access the document

Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19

WHO and public health authorities around the world are taking action to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. However, long term success cannot be taken for granted. All sections of our society – including businesses and employers – must play a role if we are to stop the spread of this disease.

- Access the publication (19 March 2020)

Considerations for public health and social measures in the workplace in the context of COVID-19

The purpose of this document is to offer considerations for public health and protective measures in workplaces outside the health care setting in the context of COVID-19, including guidance for carrying out risk assessment for possible occupational exposure. It propose actions to be taken to ensure preparedness and response to COVID-19 and ensure a safe return to work, as well as the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers.