Lagos State Release Press Statement On Resumption Of Schools In Lagos

1. Concerning the resumption of all public and private
nursery, primary and secondary schools for the 2014/2015 session, Lagos State
Government supports the September 22, 2014 date, which was announced by the
Federal Government after a national consultation on efforts to contain the
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria.

2. Although this resumption date is advisory, as education
is a concurrent matter to be regulated by the respective Federal and States
Authorities, Lagos State Government considers it eminently justifiable, in view
of the fact that there is currently no known carrier of EVD in our State at the
moment. Furthermore, the last individual suspected to have been exposed to the
virus will be discharged from observation on September 18, 2014, if he tests
negative for the virus. All public and private educational institutions in the
State are therefore directed to schedule their resumption accordingly.

3. Considering the current situation report, it is clear
that the risk of infection with EVD in Lagos State has been significantly
reduced. Health professionals working on the outbreak are also in agreement
that there is no reason why schools should remain closed beyond the 22nd of
September, 2014.

4. In spite of the foregoing, the State Government has now
developed and will deploy all resources necessary to sustain the capacity to
promptly take into custody any person suspected to be infected with EVD, as
well as safely test, monitor and isolate such a person for treatment as may be
found necessary without endangering other members of the public.

5. We also acknowledge the need for everyone to remain very
vigilant, as the disease still remains in other countries within the
sub-region. The following steps will therefore be taken in all schools, whether
public or private, before and after resumption of schools:

(a) Training and sensitization of students, vendors,
teachers and non academic staff on EVD and how to avoid it;

(b) Identification of EVD Focal Persons in schools who would
be responsible for surveillance and health monitoring;

(c) Provision of adequate environmental sanitation,
including clean toilets and premises;

(d) Provision of running water and soap and encouragement of
frequent hand washing;

(e) Sensitisation of students on other personal hygiene
habits, like the use of handkerchiefs when sneezing or coughing; and

(f) Arrangement for prompt referral of any sick person to
the nearest health institution for treatment.

7. In spite of the foregoing, the State Government
reiterates that the health of all its residents is a matter of utmost
importance and, if any reasons emerge for a reconsideration of the school
resumption date, a well-considered decision will be taken and the general
public will be informed accordingly.

8. The State Government salutes the health personnel and
health institutions that have done their best to ensure the containment of EVD.
Government officials will meet presently with those health institutions, which
might have suffered adverse economic consequences as a result, and will find
ways of assisting them to mitigate their loses and safely reopen for business
as soon as possible.