Ondo govt. tasks schools on adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures

The Ondo State government has directed all the schools in the state to activate monitoring teams as a way of preventing the second wave of COVID 19 pandemic.

Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, Chairman, state Inter ministerial Committee on Coronavirus, gave the directive while leading members of the committee on inspection and sensitisation visits to some primary and secondary schools on Tuesday in Ondo town.

According to him, pandemic has entered its second wave in some countries across the globe, adding that efforts must, therefore, be made to curtail its further spread in the state.

Fatusi, who explained that the health and safety of students, teachers and members of the academic environment were paramount to the government, said clustering of students must be discouraged, as it could increase the infection.

He emphasised the need for continuous sensitisation of members of the academic community on the pandemic and why they should be safety conscious.

Fatusi also urged the schools to uphold the principle of social distancing, adding that they must not become endangered species while promoting academics.

“The committee will not relent in its efforts at ensuring that the COVID-19 infection curve remains flattened in the state.

“School authorities should help prevent the spread of the infection by adhering to COVID-19 protocols.

“Any sick student should not be allowed to come to school, while any suspected case should be referred to the nearest health facility immediately.

“Parents too should exemplify adherence to COVID-19 protocols in their homes and provide their children with necessary items that can prevent them from contracting the virus,” he said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Oladipupo Durojaiye, said that staying safe was the responsibility of all, stressing that people must give their protection the deserved priority.

Durojaiye called on students and teachers to always wash their hands or use hand sanitisers, wear face masks and obey other preventive measures universally accepted against the spread of COVID-19.

Responding, the Principal of St. Helen’s Unity Secondary School, Ondo, Mrs Stella Olorunyomi, reiterated the commitment of the school to adhering to COVID-19 protocols.

According to her, students of the school have also seen observance of COVID-19 safety protocols as part of their daily routine.

A pupil of St. Raphael’s Nursery and Primary School, Ondo, Miss Mercy Adetula, thanked government for paying attention to the wellbeing of students and teachers in the state.

Adetula said that adherence to the COVID-19 preventive measures could help government and the people to overcome the scourge.