National Coordinator, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Dr Sani Aliyu, has urged schools to send pupils with respiratory symptoms consistent with coronavirus (COVID-19) back home to reduce risk of transmission.
Aliyu gave the advice at the COVID-19 National briefing in Abuja.
Speaking on school reopening, he said that PTF would like to re-emphasise adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions by schools, particularly screening and heightening awareness with regards to COVID-19, following issues it had with Lagos State over outbreaks in some schools.
“Any student presenting with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, particularly respiratory symptoms or fever, should not be allowed to come to school.
“When teachers notice a child with respiratory symptoms, the child should be sent back home so that we can reduce the risk of transmission.
“Just as it is important to communicate effectively with parents, staff, school health teams should be creating protocols and providing regular updates on any change to the school procedures as it relates to COVID.
“We encourage schools to continue to consider creative solutions to abide by our COVID guidelines including staggered learning to avoid overcrowding, platooning, daily attendance and adjusting teachings among others,” he said.