By Babajide okeowo
Following the resumption of academic activities across many states in Nigeria today, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has called for strict adherence to all COVID 19 prevention guidelines.
This, the agency said will curb the spread of the disease and reduce the risk of spread among children and school staff.
This was contained in a fresh directive issued by agency in a Tweet on Monday morning.
“As we collectively work towards school resumption, it‘s important to institute safety measures in line with the national COVID19 guidelines. Take Responsibility to reduce the risk of spread among children and school staff” the tweet reads.
The agency further issued directives that must be adhered to at all times by the learning institutions.
“Schools should provide students a “medical status” form to be completed by all parents and kept in confidence by the school head.
Schools are also enjoined to ensure that a triage point is identified and well-marked at the entrance of the school where everyone gaining access to the school is screened for high temperature, requested to wear their masks, and perform hand hygiene.
Schools are also mandated to ensure that classrooms are well ventilated with a minimum of one metre sitting arrangement and ensure that all staff, visitors, and students above 6 years wear their masks” the directive stated.
Meanwhile, concerns continue to rise following an insistence by teachers that necessary measures have not been put in place in compliance with the COVID-19 protocols established by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Consequently, the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Services has called on the federal government to postpone the reopening of schools by three months due to the increasing number of deaths attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yesterday, the virus’ confirmed cases rose by 1,444, bringing the tally to 110,387 with 89,317 discharged and 1, 435 dead.
Lagos continued to be the epicentre of the pandemic with 901 fresh cases, followed by Plateau, 136; Kaduna, 57; FCT, 54; Ebonyi, 53; and Akwa Ibom, 52.
In a related development, the Lagos State Government has clarified that the second term of 2020/2021 academic session is meant to last for 61 days for public and private schools.
According to the revised calendar for the 2020/2021 academic session released by the Office of the Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), the second term is slated to run from January 18 to April 30.
The mid-term break has been scheduled for March 4 and 5.
There will also be two public holidays – Good Friday on April 2 and Easter Monday on April 5.
Resumption for the third term has been scheduled for May 4, while the term is to terminate August 6.
