Re-opening schools: Staying home is no guarantee against coronavirus – GES Dep. Director

Ghana Education Service (GES) has hinted at reopening schools as its Deputy Director, Anthony Boateng has argued, staying at home is no guarantee against coronavirus.

“Yes even now that we are home what is the guarantee that everybody will not be infected? People are being infected, what is important is that the protocols are observed,” he said.

He stressed the World Health Organisation position that coronavirus (COVID-19) could stay like other diseases such as HIV/AIDs.

“Lets look at our environment and the issues and deal with them, some are suggesting a shift system, so we can spread out the children in the classes that are not coming”

Allaying fears of infections among school children, Mr. Boateng said, there is no guarantee that staying at home will prevent you from getting infected.

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He said, the service was open to suggestions from its stakeholders and the general public

“Some of the proposals have suggested the provision of Veronica buckets, hand sanitizers, face mask for students,teachers and non-teaching staff” he said in a JoyNews interview monitored by theghanareport.com

Mr. Boateng said, GES was engaging the Ghana Health Service on how best to manage the situation.

“Others have suggested those in Kindergarten and lower primary are allowed to stay home while the system improves because they are too young to appreciate the social distancing protocols. But the matured ones in Primary 4,5, 6,JHS and SHS they can understand these measures,” he added.

Mr. Boateng later said the Ghana Education Service has not yet made a decision on when to reopen schools.

“Let me say, that  as I sit here no decision has been made on when to reopen schools…what we are doing now is soliciting ideas that should schools be asked to resume in the president’s next address, what we will do to run schools in a safe and secure environment?” he said.