Akpevwe Okuse
Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, has assured students and parents of safety upon resumption.
He gave the assurance in a statement on Tuesday, stating the Commission’s move to apply Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in schools to prevent and control the spread of communicable diseases.
The assurance followed a cholera outbreak in some local government areas of the state.
He advised that schools should call hotlines in the event of any suspected cholera cases or other health emergencies.
He gave the numbers 08023169485, 08137412348, and 767/112.
He said, “The goal of IPC in schools is to minimize the risk of infectious disease outbreaks in the school community and ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for students, teachers, and other members of staff.
“As primary and secondary schools in Lagos resume tomorrow from the midterm and Sallah break, the state government urges parents, guardians, and school authorities to adhere to precautionary measures.
“These include hand hygiene – handwashing with soap and water before meals and after using the restroom—cleaning and disinfection, health screening and communication, daily health checks, and physical distancing.”
He also said that the measures included vaccination.
“Ensure your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date and encourage a balanced diet to boost your child’s immune system,” he said.
The commissioner called on the management of schools to ensure that food handlers would observe strict hygiene practices to prevent contamination and the spread of diseases.
He said that oral rehydration salts must be made available in school clinics or bays to manage dehydration cases promptly while handwashing facilities must be provided.
“The WASH facilities in washroom exits, food preparation areas, the entrance of classes, the entrance of canteens/halls, and at exit to toilet facilities must be functional,” he added.
Alli-Balogun advised students to stay safe and be vigilant.
“Together, we shall create a safe and healthy environment for our children as they return to their educational activities,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that cholera is a bacterial disease that commonly presents with episodes of diarrhea with or without vomiting or fever.
Patients may become very dehydrated within hours if not treated. Children are often at highest risk.