Fears as Ondo pupils, teachers resume, shun COVID-19 protocols

Following the resumption of schools in Ondo State for a new academic session on Monday, the adherence to the COVID-19 protocols was conspicuously ignored at the schools.

It was observed that most of the pupils who returned to schools after the holidays have flouted the COVID-19 guidelines as some of them did not use their face masks while those who were with them hung them below their jaws.

In most of the schools visited by our correspondent in Akure, the state capital, on Monday morning parents as well as teachers also ignored the proper way of face masks’ usage as they were putting it on for the sake of formality.

At Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure, it was observed that the school provided buckets of water, soap, and sanitizers at the school gate, but those coming into the school, particularly the newly admitted pupils and their parents who were eager to register for the new academic session did not make use of the provisions by the school.

The returning pupils were observed to have removed their masks after gaining entrance into the school premises.

They also moved in groups ignoring the social distancing guideline.

At Eji-Oba High, Oba-Ile in Akure North, Local Government Area of the state, there was zero compliance. There was no provision of water, soap, and sanitizers at the school gate. Both the teachers and students walked in without the use of face masks.

The situation was, however, a bit different in St. Louis Grammar School, Akure, and Fiwasaye Girls’ Grammar School, as they complied partially with the protocols.

Speaking on the issue, the Principal of the Oyemekun Grammar School, Mr Ogunleye Okeowo, said the pupils who flouted the guidelines would be sent back home. Punch