Lagos State Government says it will apply Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in schools in an effort to prevent and control spread of communicable diseases.
Jamiu Alli-Balogun, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, gave the assurance in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
The assurance followed cholera outbreak in some local government areas of the state.
He urged that schools should call hotlines in the event of any suspected cholera cases or other health emergencies.
He said, “The goal of IPC in schools is to minimise 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 managements of schools to ensure that food handlers would observe strict hygiene practices to prevent contamination and spread of diseases.
He said that oral rehydration salts must be made availability in school clinics or bays to manage dehydration cases promptly, while handwashing facilities must be provided.
