As efforts to ease the ban on schools, the Federal Ministry of Education has proposed creation of isolation spaces in schools before reopening.
This was contained in the ‘Guidelines for schools and learning facilities reopening after COVID-19 pandemic closure’, that was submitted to the National Assembly on Tuesday, 23 July, 2020.
It was noted in the document that schools are “required to create temporary isolation spaces and fully-equipped clinics prior to reopening”.
The schools have also been instructed to put a structure in place, including protocols and procedures.
This would be effective in the situation where learners, teachers, administrators, and other education personnel become unwell while in schools.
Also included in the guidelines was a mandate from the Federal Government, instructing any state wishing to reopen schools to “hold adequate consultations with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and the parents”.
Addressing the proprietors, the guidelines required them to construct additional structures and employ more teachers.
This is to ensure that they accommodate their students by adhering to the two-metre spacing system in classrooms.
Proprietors were also encouraged to seek “grants to procure soaps and buckets, ensure regular safe water supply, a constant supply of learning and instructional materials, and pay salaries on time.
