Resurgence of physical education and physical activity in the COVID-19 era: Policy inconsistencies, implications and future considerations

Abstract

COVID-19 has already changed the world, not only because of the disease itself, but because of the long-term effects of the world’s reaction to the pandemic. Many countries worldwide have imposed large-scale or national closures of schools and sports facilities, and the practice of outdoor physical activity in public parks and playgrounds was not allowed, and these policy responses to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission have a direct impact on children and adolescents. Due to these measures, overall children’s physical activity has been reduced and sedentary behaviour has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy brief aims to discuss policy inconsistencies during lockdown and physical distancing measures imposed on children and adolescents [i.e., school closures, screen-based (in)activity, curricular Physical Education, hygiene measures, active school travel, sport facilities and physical activity], in relation to current recommendations for exercise during the pandemic, and Physical Education school re- entry considerations.