The President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has admonished students to adhere strictly to the Covid-19 preventive measures as they return to school.
In his 22nd update on measures taken to combat the coronavirus on Sunday as cases surge, the President admitted the challenges that surfaced when children were directed to study from home at the peak of the pandemic in the country.
According to him, closing down schools broached setback to the future of students.
“I now wish to speak directly to the students and children returning to school, and those of you who have already returned. I. I know that, for most of you, 2020 was a very unfamiliar year and presented a setback for your preparation for the future. You all saw the struggle your parents especially working parents went through with you at home due to school closures, and you also saw how you struggled to learn from home even for those of you who were lucky enough to continue with some of your classes online. The frustration, the idleness and the absence of classroom or study groups intimacy– it has extremely difficult for you, your parents, teachers and everybody involved. This is something we should all try to put behind us. Much of that depends on you”.
He, therefore, beseeches students to play their part by abiding to the safety protocols to control the spread of the disease.
“I am pleading with you, please observe the Covid-19 protocols at all times. You must maintain the level of discipline and sense of responsibility to stop the virus from spreading in your schools and, for day students, at home, as well. Wear your masks at all times. Wash and sanitize your hands regularly. Protect yourself. Protect each other. Protect your teachers. Protect your parents.
“But, please, do not give me a reason to close down schools again. I pledge to do my best to keep your education going. I want you to assure me, your parents, your teachers and society as a whole, through your actions, that you will do your part as well,” the President added.
President Akufo-Addo in his 21st address announced that schools will be reopening on January 15, following the closure of schools on March 15, 2020.
This was part of government’s plans to ensure that the Covid-19 which was spreading at dire and alarming rate in the country at the time was effectively managed.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has asked parents to not panic affirming that sensitisation programmes have been undertaken to educate children and parents on how to avoid spreading or catching the virus.
“Heads of institutions, as well as their teachers, have undergone the requisite orientation on “Guidelines for school re-opening during COVID-19”, to enable them assist with compliance of students to the protocols.
“I have been encouraged by the preparations being made by many schools, in some cases, with the support of their old student associations and PTAs, in anticipation of the return on Monday. On our part, Government has also undertaken the fumigation and disinfection of schools, and the provision of sanitisers, masks, liquid soaps, Veronica Buckets, rolls of tissue paper, face shields for learners and staff with hearing impairments, and gloves for care givers and attendants, to schools across the country.”
President Akufo-Addo also revealed that, the nation’s active case count has increased to 1,924.
“…We have seen an upsurge in the number of active cases, from a little over 900 to 1,924. Our COVID-19 treatment centres have gone from having zero patients to now being full because of the upsurge in infections.”