Lagos Commissioner, Adefisayo Harps On Preventive Measures Over Coronavirus

The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo has called on Public and Private School Head Teachers and School Administrators, as well as pupils and students in the State to adopt prompt preventive measures against the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease in Schools.

She remarked that it is imperative to prevent and contain any possible outbreak of the disease or any other infectious diseases spreading in Lagos schools.

While urging everyone not to panic, Adefisayo reiterated that the State Government has outlined plans and strategies to avert a possible outbreak, especially in densely populated areas which harbour and maintain virile trading routes with a large number of foreign nationals.

Concerned about the health and safety of students and pupils, as well as their teachers, the Commissioner explained that the State Government, through the Ministry of Health, recently activated an Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), which is the command and control centre where possible suspected cases are screened, operational information coordinated and resources for strategic management of emergencies harnessed in preparation against infectious diseases.

Adefisayo added that the Biosafety Laboratory located at the Lagos Mainland Hospital has fully commenced operations, just as surveillance activities are being intensified across the State to fast track the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases whenever they occur.

She noted that everyone must be conscious of the signs of the Coronavirus disease which include upper respiratory infection with symptoms like, stuffy nose, sore throat and cough, pointing out that the disease could spread through contact with an infected person’s hands, face or by contact with objects which infected persons have handled.

The Commissioner, therefore, advised all Heads of Schools and Administrators to provide clean wash handstands with water and soap, alongside alcohol-based hand sanitizers, at designated points within their School premises to prevent the possible spread of the disease.

She urged students and teachers to always keep their hands and fingers away from their noses, eyes and mouths, avoid contact with suspected infected persons and replicate same measures at home.

While stressing the importance of maintaining a high level of personal and environmental hygiene, the Commissioner pointed out that anyone suspected of having traits of the Coronavirus disease should be reported to the nearest health facility.