Lockdown looms as Kaduna shuts schools over rising cases of COVID-19

The Kaduna State Ministry of Education has directed all schools in the state to close on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 following the rising cases of people with COVID-19 infection.

A statement by the Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Shehu Usman Muhammad said: “The ministry wishes to inform the public, parents, guardians and students the date that schools’ will be closing due to rising cases of COVID-19 infections in the state which shows a replica of figures recorded in the first wave of the pandemic in April, May and June 2020, indicating that a new wave of the infection is rapidly spreading across the state.”

Muhammad said the state’s Ministry of Health has also confirmed the growing number of cases, adding that the infection cuts all across age groups. He stated that the new wave, especially, affects those between 10 and 35 years of age, which he said form a majority of the populace in the education sector.

“Thus, in its efforts to contain the spread of the pandemic and save the lives of people in the state, the Kaduna State Government is directing all public, and private schools to conclude all necessary arrangements and close on Wednesday, 16th December 2020 as opposed to the initial closings.

“Therefore, all examinations must be concluded on or before, Tuesday, 15th December 2020 in all institutions of learning across the state.

“Physical classes in the universities and other institutions of higher learning will not be held during the period of closure. Institutions can make other arrangements for teaching and learning and other activities in line with their conformity and contingency plans.

“In order to minimise the impact on learning and teaching, all schools will continue to plan lessons or where possible, provide online resources for students or online lessons where schools are equipped to do so,” the commissioner said

He, however, said learners in the basic, post basic and secondary schools levels can continue learning while at home from the Kaduna State TV and radio e-learning programmes.

“While the state government continues exerting efforts to prevent the spread of the pandemic, the public is urged to continuously comply with all COVID-19 protocols to avoid the likelihood of the worst case scenarios of the disease in the state.

“All residents of the state are therefore, encouraged to adapt the spirit of campaign which encourages everyone to adhere to the guidelines provided by authorities in the health care sector which includes:

“Wearing face masks always;observing physical distancing; respiratory hygiene; washing hands with soap under running water or using hand sanitizers; avoiding large gatherings; remaining indoors when there is no need to be outdoors; dieting, and eating balanced meals to boost immunity,” Muhammad added.