Ondo State Government has began efforts to prevent outbreak of the second wave of COVID-19 infection in the State, just as it reminded schools to activate COVID-19 Monitoring Teams in their domains.
The Chairman, Interministerial Committee on Coronavirus (COVID-19), Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, stated this in Ondo, while leading members of the Committee on inspection and sensitization visits to some primary and secondary schools in Ondo City. He noted that across the globe the outbreak of the Virus is in its second phase and as such efforts must be made to curtail its spread in the State.
Fatusi who emphasised that the health and safety of students, teachers and members of the academic environment are paramount to the government said clustering of students must be discouraged as it could increase infection. He therefore emphasized the need to continually sensitize the academic community about the pandemic and remind them on the need to be safety conscious.
The Don however called on the schools to uphold the principle of social distancing in their classrooms, adding that they must not become endangered species while promoting academics. The Chairman said the Committee will not relent at ensuring COVID-19 infection curve remained flattened in the State.
He appealed to school authorities to help prevent the spread of the infection by adhering to COVID-19 protocols, stating that any sick child should not be allowed to come to school, while any suspected case should be referred to the nearest health facilities immediately.
The Vice Chancellor also appealed to parents to exemplify adherence to COVID-19 protocols in their homes, maintaining that they must provide students with necessary requirements to prevent them from contracting the virus. He emphasized that adherence to COVID-19 protocols cannot be over emphasized.
Corroborating his view, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Oladipupo Durojaiye, explained that staying safe is the responsibility of all, as individuals must prioritize their protection. He called on the students and teachers to always wash their hands or use hand sanitisers, wear nose 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 in adhering to COVID-19 protocols, adding that the students have also seen same as part of their daily routine.
In the same vein, a pupil of St. Raphael’s Nursery and Primary School, Ondo, Miss Mercy Adetula, appreciated the government for paying attention to the well being of the students and teachers. She observed that adherence to COVID-19 preventive measure could help the government and the people to overcome the scourge.
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