The Federal Government on Thursday released fresh guidelines for the reopening of schools in the country .
The National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID – 19 , Sani Aliyu, made this known during a briefing in Abuja .
Schools in the country had been shut for more than four months as part of measures to curb the spread of the novel disease .
But the PTF had okayed the reopening of schools in August with some subnational already reopening primary , secondary and tertiary institutions in their states.
The CAMPUSINFO had earlier reported that FG ordered all Unity Schools in the country to resume with effect from October 12 .
Giving an update on Thursday , Aliyu said, “ The Federal Ministry of Education , the PTF and the NCDC ( Nigeria Centre for Disease Control ) have developed guidelines to ensure schools can reopen , minimise the risk of transmission and continue to operate safely .
“ Schools and educational bodies that plan 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.
“ 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 .”
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