WASHINGTON The head of the UN called on the world to protect children Thursday, saying their lives are being disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. Antonio Guterres said the world is seeing an “alarming pattern” as the virus known as the Covid19 spreads across the globe and poor and vulnerable societies are being the hardest hit. “I am especially concerned about the well-beng of the world’s children. Thankfully, children have so far been largely spared from the most severe symptoms of the disease. But their lives are being totally upended,” he said while releasing a report on the risks children face. “I appeal to families everywhere, and leaders at all levels: protect our children.” China’s Wuhan raises virus death toll by 1,290, up 50 The report details how the disease is putting children at risk in key areas including education, food, safety and health. In education, the UN chief said almost all students are out of school because of the pandemic. “Some schools are offering distance learning, but this is not available to all. Children in countries with slow and expensive Internet services are severely disadvantaged,” he said.–Anadolu Agency
