Why we shutdown schools in Benue – Ortom

The Benue State Government has ordered the closure of all schools in the state by Friday, 27th March, 2020, as part of measures to prevent Coronavirus in the state.

Briefing journalists after the State Executive Council Meeting today, Commissioner for Education, Professor Dennis Ityavyar said all schools in the state had been directed to conclude examinations on or before Friday next week and proceed on holiday.

The Commissioner said in the meantime, the State Executive Council has urged schools to ensure that physical contact is restricted before the end of the examinations.

He stated that the decision to close schools before the scheduled end of the current academic term had become necessary as part of measures to prevent an outbreak of the disease in the state.

Professor Ityavyar expressed the commitment of the Ortom administration to safeguarding the future of the Benue child.

Also speaking to journalists, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Sunday Ongbabor said Benue has established an isolation centre at the State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, while working with the National Centre for Disease Control to be on alert in the event that any of those in contact with the eight positive cases in the country has made their way into the state.

He said surveillance against Coronavirus had been stepped up and advised the people to avoid shaking of hands and observe person hygiene such as frequently washing their hands with soap.

Earlier, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ngunan Addingi had informed the press that the ministry plans to embark on sensitization of the people at markets, parks and other public places on the danger posed by Coronavirus and the preventive measures they should adopt.