The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has faulted the resumption of schools questioning the Federal Government’s level of preparedness to reopen schools for studies amid the surge in COVID-19 cases.
HSENations recalls that the Federal Government had set August 4 as the reopening for exit classes of secondary schools, but the NMA expresses reservations about the decision.
Reacting to the sudden u-turn on re-opening of schools, the NMA President, Prof. Innocent Ujah, said, “What is the compliance of the citizens in terms of regular hand-washing and other safety protocols?
“At the moment, many of the schools don’t even have water. Obviously, it becomes very difficult to say that schools should reopen because you have to wash your hands regularly.
“Again, I don’t know how the teachers would be teaching with face masks and all the pupils will wear face masks.
“If you are not used to face masks, you may not breathe well, particularly if the one you have is not standard,” Ujah said.
READ ALSO: Hydroxychloroquine Saga: See What Medical Experts Are Saying
Further, Ujah who lamented the development, said some people calling for resumption are doing so basically because they have not been receiving salary either because they are in a private school or some other challenges.
“It has collateral damage on proprietors and teachers. We cannot continue forever to keep students out of school, but we must be prepared and that is why NMA is saying that we must temporise, until we are ready, and at the moment I don’t see us ready for resumption.”