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COVID-19: Nigerian govt orders schools to carry out mandatory weekly assessments

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has mandated schools in the country to carry out weekly risk assessments ahead of planned resumption.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Mrs Elsie Ilori, Head, Department of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, who also informed that states and local governments are to also conduct monthly and quarterly risk assessments.

Mrs Ilori, who made the announcement in Abuja at the joint PTF briefing on COVID-19, stated that the PTF has continued to educate the public on measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.

She said; “We have also continued to review the situation in other countries that have re-opened schools. We also receive guidance from WHO and other public health authorities.

“If schools carefully coordinate, plan and put the required safety measures in place before reopening, there is lesser risk of COVID-19 cases in school settings.

READ ALSO: Nigeria has flattened COVID-19 transmission curve —PTF

“We are working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education, PTF-COVID-19, States and our partners to ensure that the required safety measures are in place to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on our schools.

“The PTF-COVID-19 and Federal Ministry of Education have mandated schools to conduct periodic (weekly) risk assessments, while States and local governments are to conduct monthly and quarterly risk assessment respectively.

“This will help to promptly address the gaps that may exist in reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread in schools.

“Beyond this, local governments have been advised to set up multi-sectoral school health committees dedicated to supporting and monitoring the implementation of safety protocols in the schools,” she said.

Mrs Ilori further stated that safe school reopening required the collective efforts of all, including parents, teachers, school authorities, communities, civil society organisations and the media.

“The government cannot do it alone. We must all work together,” he said.

The PTF advised school managements against conducting tests for returning students.

“The focus should be on monitoring and careful observation of students with all non-pharmaceutical measures in place,” she said.

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