Pandemic exposes ‘digital divide’ as schools, workplaces close

A screen promoting remote working using a laptop or a mobile phone is displayed at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva. A lack of adequate online access will make it difficult if not impossible for the digital 'have nots' to keep up with their peers, highlighting the need for ways to bring more people up to speed. — AFP

WASHINGTON: As the coronavirus pandemic forces the closing of more schools and workplaces, the health crisis has exposed the "digital divide" which allows some to stay on task remotely, with others left out.

A growing number of students from grade school to university are moving to virtual classrooms, and while millions of office workers are being asked to work from home as a result of the expanding public health emergency.