The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has issued fresh guidelines as the October 12 date set for the reopening of the 104 Unity Schools in the country draws near.
National of PTF, Dr Sani Aliyu released the guidelines during Thursday’s briefing by the task force in Abuja.
Recall that the PTF had given the go ahead for phased reopening of schools in August, with many states going ahead to reopen schools.
During his briefing, Aliyu said that the fresh guidelines were developed by the Federal Ministry of Education, the PTF and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCD to ensure schools can reopen, minimise the risk of transmission and continue to operate safely.
He further disclosed that schools and educational bodies that planned to reopen must have detailed communication protocols that include parents, school health teams, school authorities and local (and) state officials.
“They must also have a system for providing regular updates for parents, staff and relevant authorities as well as communicate changes to procedures effectively and clearly as well as taking effective measures to understand how COVID-19 can spread and how to mitigate the spread in line with official guidelines.
“Specifically, school authorities have the responsibilities to ensure that everyone gaining access to their schools is screened properly, is wearing a mask and sanitising their hands
“Boarding schools must have identified areas for screening and putting positive students aside.
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“There must be access to running water and handwashing facilities.
“The health staff, particularly in boarding schools, must be trained and provided with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
“There must be appropriate waste management systems.
“Health facilities that are within the schools that serve the schools should have the ability to cater for an outbreak and a response protocol must be in place for these schools for students who test positive. In this regard, it is important to involve their parents and make sure that parents have signed consent forms in advance.
“Schools should also work in synergy with the local government rapid response teams and collaborate with the state ministries of health on planning, implementation and reopening of schools.
“We encourage schools to consider creative solutions to abide by these guidelines.”