The world was attacked in December 2019 by the dreaded coronavirus pandemic, codenamed COVID-19, which wrestled the global community to a standstill. Nigeria, no doubt, is not an exception. All sectors of the economy are stagnated.
In Anambra, the state government introduced various interventionist programmes and policies aimed at ameliorating the situation. One of such is forced closure of schools. The Governor, Sir Willie Obiano, adopted measures to ensure that pupils and students did not lose out after all. Anambra Teaching On Air, a collaborative and innovative blended learning programme pioneered by the Anambra State Ministry of Basic Education and the Anambra Broadcasting Service, was introduced to keep our children busy. Many states copied the program.
Fortunately, the government wrestled the first phase of the dreaded pandemic to a standstill after struggling with the virus for nine months. Regrettably, most people dropped our level of vigilance and returned to our normal lives. Hence, the virus has not gone away.
It, rather, came back with renewed viciousness. And it is claiming many lives. Schools were shut again but following the humane disposition of our dear education and children-friendly governor, who took diverse proactive measures to forestall spike, all schools in Anambra have reopened today.
All Schools, both public and private, are, however, advised to revive the COVID-19 structure and practices that helped protect our children during the first wave of the pandemic. We commend school proprietors and administrators in the state for their careful handling of the first wave of the pandemic. It is heartening that many schools and the state government had continued to teach students at home through various e-platforms, including the Anambra State Teaching on Air. However, we expect even more from them this time.
Happily, Anambra state government has made adequate arrangements to ensure the safety of our children and all citizens. In view of these water-tight arrangements, Governor Obiano and members of the State Executive Council have assured that since we have been here before, we surely shall overcome it a second time. But we must work together this time. Everyone must play their own part well for us to survive.
The joy of it all is that the Obiano administration is on top of the situation. Therefore, we should not be afraid. The government had promised it would handle this resurgence the way it handled the first wave. The government has managed so many cases successfully and it shall do much more.
While commending the Anambra state government for taking the bold step in opening of schools, parents, school authorities, pupils and students must understand that coronavirus is real and still with us. Hence, they should ensure that they observe all the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines for the safety of all.
Let us abide by all the stipulated guidelines, including regular washing of hands with soap and running water for a minimum of 20 minutes or frequent use of hand sanitizers. Appropriate wearing of face mask must not be compromised, while physical distancing should be maintained. Schools should have infrared thermometer for check of temperature of students, teachers and parents.
Let’s increase our chances of surviving this scourge by obeying the safety standards of COVID-19. For the sake of emphasis, nobody should go to any market, public places, church, schools, enter any transport, attend functions without properly wearing of facemasks. By God’s grace, we shall surely overcome this virus.
WRITTEN BY COMR. OBI OCHIJE
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