The Federal Government has
reinstated that there was no fixed date for reopening of schools closed
over
the fear of coronavirus disease.
The Minister of Health, Dr.
Osagie Ehanire, made this known in Abuja during the Presidential Task Force
daily press briefing.
He said the committee would
continue to monitor situations with a view to preventing a spike in the
infection rate.
He said, “There is no fixed
date on schools’ resumption. The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 is
studying the situation, carrying out reviews every two and four weeks to access
the situation and judge when it is safe.
“The Federal Government is
taking very seriously the balance between safety and preventing disease
explosion, and the opening of schools.
“We are encouraging schools to
embrace online training and education as much as possible.
“As soon as the details are
established and the risk of transmission is measured and established, then,
schools will reopen.
“We are aware of what is
happening in neighbouring countries through the organ known as the West Africa
Health Organisation (WAHO).
“Few days ago, we held an
inter-ministerial meeting of the Ministers of health of the West African region
to compare notes, review strategies, understand how others are tackling their
problems, and reach a common ground on how to protect our region.
“We also consider how to do
procurement together to reduce cost and how to share materials that we get from
donations to the region.
“The protocol for border
activities is also being studied. We have, through WAHO, worked out protocols
on how border crossings will be conducted, particularly passenger transport.
“It has not been opened but we are working out the opening
protocols and the measures that need to be taken for countries to protect
themselves.”
He added: “Interstate travel is
still prohibited but travels within the states are allowed. Non-essential
travels should be postponed, delayed or cancelled for now.
“We also encourage local
governments with high burden (called hot spots) to strictly follow the
advisories, stay indoors, use masks, and also ensure that movements to those
hotspots are restricted.
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