Ahead of school reopening next week, the federal government has updated its guidelines in order to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Students
After giving a go-ahead for schools to resume on the 18th of January, the federal government through the Federal Ministry of Education has released an updated guideline of how activities should be conducted in schools to keep students and staff members safe from the dreaded coronavirus.
The updated guideline was contained in a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Ben Bem Goong, titled, ‘School resumption date of January 18, 2021 stands – Minister’, on Thursday.
The statement noted that the decision to reopen schools and review the COVID-19 protocols was sequel to a comprehensive appraisal of the situation.
Part of the statement read, “After extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, including State Governors, Commissioners of Education, Proprietors and heads of institutions, staff unions, and students, the consensus of opinion is that the resumption date of 18th January should remain, while parents and respective institutions must ensure full compliance with COVID-19 protocols including – the compulsory wearing of Facemasks by all students, teachers, and workers in all schools.
“Temperature checks and handwashing facilities at strategic locations in all schools.
“Ensuring a constant supply of water and sanitisers.
“Enforcement of maintenance of social distancing and suspension of large gatherings such as assembly and visiting days.
“Avoiding overcrowding, including limitations in class sizes and hostel occupancy.
“Availability of functional health clinics with facilities for isolation and transportation of suspected cases to medical facilities.
“Adherence to all other non-pharmaceutical protocols, restrictions and containment measures as may be prescribed/ approved by the PTF from time to time.
“These measures which are to ensure safe reopening of schools for academic activities will be subject to constant review as we urge teachers, school administrators, and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance.”