COVID-19: Nigerian Govt Bans Visiting Days, Assemblies As Schools Resume Jan 18

The federal government of Nigeria has banned visiting days, assembly and overcrowding in classes and hostels as schools prepare to resume on January 18, 2021.

The ministry of education announced the new development in a communique by Ben Goong, its director of press, on Thursday, after an extensive meeting of stakeholders.
It said the measures, which were listed among others, will help curb the spread of the COVID-19 disease as Nigeria battles the second wave of the virus.
The federal government also directed schools to adopt non-pharmaceutical measures and provide clinics with isolation facilities as well as a means of transportation, should incase COVID-19 is detected among students.

“After extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders including state governors, commissioners of education, proprietors and heads of institutions, staff unions and students, the consensus opinion is that the resumption date of 18th January should remain,” the federal ministry wrote.
“Parents and respective institutions must ensure full compliance with COVID-19 protocols. It includes the compulsory wearing of face masks by all students, teachers and workers in all schools.
“Temperature checks and handwashing facilities at strategic locations in all schools. Ensuring constant water supply and sanitizers.

“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.”
The federal government also urged schools to abide by the measures prescribed by the presidential task force on COVID-19 in containing the virus.
According to the ministry, the current directive will be subjected to constant review from time to time.

The federal government had earlier considered shifting the January 18th resumption date for schools over rising COVID cases. It, however, changed its decision after wide consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Last Sunday, Nigeria crossed the 100,000 mark of COVID-19 cases.