Schools across Rwanda are in final stages of installing facilities that will help prevent the spread of Covid-19 when schools reopen doors to students in the next few weeks and massively in January.
For some schools in the capital Kigali, new classrooms have been built while at entrances and other areas in the premises, they have built water sink counters to wash hands and are fitted with automated liquid soap gadgets.
Students will have to adjust to the new normal especially sitting arrangements, wearing face masks, social distancing and adjusting the way they engage in extra-curricular activities such as sports.
According to the World Health Organisation, There are several actions and requirements that should be reviewed and put in place to prevent the introduction and spread of Covid-19 in schools and into the community; and to ensure the safety of children and school staff while at school. Special provisions should be considered for early childhood development, higher learning institutions, residential schools or specialized institutions.
WHO recommends that at Community-level; Carry out early detection, testing, contact tracing and quarantine of contacts; investigate clusters; ensure physical distancing, hand and hygiene practices and age-appropriate mask use; shield vulnerable groups. Community-led initiatives such as addressing misleading rumours also play an important role in reducing the risk of infection.
Policy, practice and infrastructure: Ensure the necessary resources, policies and infrastructure, are in place that protect the health and safety of all school personnel, including people at higher risk.
Communication with parents and students: Schools should keep students and parents informed about the measures being implemented to ensure their collaboration and support.
Physical distancing outside classrooms: Maintain a distance of at least 1 metre for both students (all age groups) and staff, where feasible.
Behavioral aspects: Consider the age and capacity of students to understand and respect measures put in place. Younger children may find it more difficult to adhere to physical distancing or the appropriate use of masks.
Safety and security: School closure or re-opening may affect the safety and security of students and the most vulnerable children may require special attention, such as during pick-up and drop-off.
Hygiene and daily practices at the school and classroom level: Physical distancing of at least 1 metre between individuals including spacing of desks, frequent hand and respiratory hygiene, age-appropriate mask use, ventilation and environmental cleaning measures should be in place to limit exposure. Schools should educate staff and students on COVID-19 prevention measures, develop a schedule for daily cleaning and disinfection of the school environment, facilities and frequently touches surfaces, and ensure availability of hand hygiene facilities and national/local guidance on the use of masks.
Screening and care of sick students, teachers and other school staff: Schools should enforce the policy of 'staying home if unwell', waive the requirement for a doctor's note, create a checklist for parents/students/staff to decide whether to go to school (taking into consideration the local situation), ensure students who have been in contact with a COVID-19 case stay home for 14 days, and consider options for screening on arrival.
Source : https://taarifa.rw/rwandan-schools-install-facilities-to-prevent-covid-19/
