As most schools across the country reopen for learning, the Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu said safety of students, school staff remains a priority to the Federal Government.
Dr. Ihekweazu said this during the weekly Presidential Task Force Briefing held on October 12th, 2020.
He said government is focusing on the anxiety and concern parents have as schools reopen.
He noted that as against when the pandemic started, the health institute is now better informed leading to the development of new guidelines for the safe reopening of schools across the country.
He however advised that all schools should pick up the guidelines across the country and adapt it to their use.
“The guidelines include strong recommendations around regular risk assessment, sharing updates on the medical status of every student, a clear communication plan and a sample collection.
“We have taken into account the contacts of various schools and how we are going to achieve this in our environments with our own limitations.
“There is is evidence to show that young people are less at risk for Covid-19, but low risk does not mean no risk. We have seen this virus transmitted to children even though it is not as intensive as in the case of adolescents and adults.
“Therefore, there must be a synergy between parents, school, authorities, State Ministries of health and the Federal Government to migate the impact of Covid-19,” he said.
Schools are expected to be run gradually so as to avoid another total shutdown as witnessed in some countries that had resumed earlier and had to shut down .
