COVID-19: Katsina re-opens schools October 5

Katsina state government has announced that it would open schools on October 5, 2020 for the continuation of the 2019/2020 session.

The state Commissioner for Education, Dr Badamasi Lawal, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media briefing held in Katsina.

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“Based on the federal government’s advice to states to consider re-opening of schools for other remaining classes for the continuation of full academic activities, His Excellency Governor Aminu Masari has approved the re-opening of all public, community and private primary and secondary schools in the state with effect from October 5, 2020,” he said.

The commissioner said three weeks would be used for revision and exams to conclude second term of 2019/2020 academic session while third term would begin October 26 and last for 15 weeks.

He said in order to ensure safe School activities and comply with COVID-19 protocols, some measures would be taken such as sensitization of stakeholders for step down training and that social distancing in all academic, religious and extracurricular activities must be observed in Schools.

He added that shifting would be enforced as official School working hours are reduced from 6 hours to 5 hours, saying primary 1 to 3 will be in school from 7:30am to 12:30 pm, while Primary 4 to 6 will be in school from 12:30pm to 5:30pm.

Dr Lawal said schools must ensure that all students and staff wear face masks, adding that all schools will be supported to ensure adequate water sanitation and hygiene facilities in the school premises.

He added that measures were also put in place to fumigate and decontaminate school buildings for both Public, Community and Private Schools where possible.

“Body temperature checking thermometers provided to health facilities across the State should be used by Schools,” he said.