Risk management and resilience of schools in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Long-term school closures, as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to an unprecedented risk associated with children's education, protection, and well-being. The reopening of schools has to be safe and consistent with each area's COVID-19 health response. In such situations, it is essential to consider the need for school-based services such as immunization and school meals, as well as mental health and psychosocial support. Miyagi University of Education, Sendai, has experienced the reopening of schools after they were closed after the earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011. This study describes how school risk management and resilience can contribute to successfully reopening schools after the occurrence of disasters caused by natural hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as biological hazards such as COVID-19.