Abia State government has asked primary and secondary schools in the state to resume on October 26th, 2020.

The government also released COVID-19 guidelines each school must strictly comply with, following the reopening of primary and secondary schools in the State.

A statement signed by the state Commissioner, Ministry of Education, Prof Kanelechi CK Nwangwa said there must be use of thermometers to check the temperature at the school gate every day.

Regular washing of hands with soap and water at the established handwashing stations and use of hand sanitizers by staff and pupils/students must be strictly followed.

He also stated that all administrators, teachers, students and visitors to all schools must wear face masks and there will be no long breaks.

”No games/sports activities, organized or not, will be allowed in our schools for now. We will continue to maintain social and physical distancing of at least 2 meters in our classes.

”No general morning assemblies will be held in our schools. Teachers should conduct morning prayers before the first period every day.

”All schools must take advantage of the COVID-19 lectures they have received to constantly teach and remind pupils and students that protection from the infection is a personal responsibility that no one should neglect at any time.,’ he added.

Nwangwa further noted that schools must run from 8.00am to 1.40pm daily and sick bays, isolation centers already created in the schools must be maintained.

He said that after the third term examination, students will go for a short break to allow the teachers mark and compute the promotional examination results.

The government also directed that private schools will be expected to pay only 30% of third term school fees and 30% of the approved levies in public senior secondary schools.

It warned that any school that charges any fees or levies beyond the 30% limit will be appropriately sanctioned.

”On Monday, October 26, 2020, the first term of the 2020/2021 academic session will commence. All pupils and students must return to school to commence academic activities for the term.

”The first term of 2020/2021 academic session will run from October 26 to December 23, 2020, before a short break from December 24, 2020 – January 3, 2021.

”From Monday, January 4, 2021, the first term will continue and end on January 21, 2021. All students will pay the normal full school fees and levies for the first term.

”The second term of 2020/2021 academic session will commence on Monday, February 1, 2021, and run for 12 weeks ending on Thursday, April 22, 2021.

”Third term for the 2020/2021 academic session will start on May 10, 2021, and end on August 5, 2021.”

The State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, however, approved that all Creche, Nursery and Kindergarten Schools will remain closed for now until the Government considers it’s safe for them to resume.