On Friday the Abia state government has directed all public and private primary and secondary schools in the state to commence end of term examinations from Monday, March 23, 2020 and close on April 3, 2020.
The government in addition, directed all schools through the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. KCK Nwangwa, to provide materials for hand washing, preferably running water, before students enter and leave the school or during school hours.
This was contained in a statement issued by Chief John Okiyi Kalu, the Abia Commissioner of Information, and forwarded to newsmen.
According to Chief John Okiyi Kalu statement, the Government will review the decision to keep the schools open and take necessary measures that will be in the overriding interest of Abians.
It said that the State government will immediately shut down, without further notice, private and public premises where adequate measures, including the above stated, are not in place to protect the people, residents and visitors to Abia State.
The government added that there is no case of coronavirus pandemic recorded in Abia state and called on the federal government to consider providing COVID-19 confirmation testing facilities in all the thirty-six states of the federation and FCT, or, at the least, consider providing one per geopolitical zone for easy access.
The statement reads, “The state ministry of health has also been directed to compulsorily position hand sanitizers, digital thermometers and hand washing facilities in all government offices as well as work with churches, market unions, hotel owners, banks and such other institutions to ensure that they also provide the materials as well as ensure good sanitary conditions. These materials should be positioned at the entry point to the facilities with designated persons, who must wear appropriate protective gear, including face masks, manning them.
“We are currently reviewing suggestions on banning public gathering of more than 50 persons and will communicate the decision reached in due course. Similarly, we are considering measures to further protect our markets, malls and other places of commerce and will communicate decision in due course.
