COVID-19 Update: Schools Can’t Re-open Now – PTF Insists

BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI, ABUJA – The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 says it is not yet convenient for schools to re-open now going by the prevailing health situation in the country.

Explaining the Federal Government’s insistence on schools  remaining shut in the meantime, the PTF said the decision is part of measures being taken to protect challenged individuals who may have some underlying health issues.

National Coordinator of the PTF, Dr Sani Aliyu, said one cannot ignore the fact that majority of students may be living with the vulnerable group of Nigerians which the government is currently striving to protect from the deadly coronavirus.

Aliyu also said the decision to restrict gathering in churches and mosques was informed by the fact that most of those attending these worship centres are within vulnerable groups prone to infection due to health issues and other underlying illnesses.

Speaking at the regular media briefing in Abuja, Aliyu said the PTF is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education on a resumption plan for schools taking into consideration that most students are exposed to people with critical infections.

According to the National Coordinator, the plan involves allowing those who were supposed to write examinations to resume first, adding; “we don’t want what has happened to affect the next academic session”.

Dr Aliyu, who acknowledged that about 20 percent of Nigerian are currently living with underlying infections, said government has a responsibility to protect such citizens, hence the advisory from relevant bodies and health agencies for people to stay at home and stay safe.