Education officials want people quarantined in schools transferred

Education officials have asked the Ministry of Health to immediately transfer patients who are being quarantined or isolated in public schools for Covid-19.

Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang wrote to Health PS Susan Mochache Tuesday informing her that the schools need to be fumigated before teachers report back on Monday.

“Aware that some schools are being used as quarantine and isolation centres, we are requesting that these schools be vacated and fumigated by September 28 to allow teachers prepare for reopening,” he said.

In April, the government turned several schools into quarantine and isolation centres following a spike of Covid-19 cases.

Some of the schools included in Nairobi are  St Georges High School, Moi Girls High School (Kibera), Upper Hill High School, Dagoretti  High School and Kenya High School.

Others are: Highway Girls, Pangani Girls School, Buruburu Girls School and Precious Blood Riruta.

On Monday, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) asked tutors to take part in making adequate arrangements for reopening of schools.

‘Work with relevant stakeholders to ensure thorough cleaning of classrooms, offices, dormitories, school amenities and ensure that the same are in habitable conditions for learners,” said TSC CEO Nancy Macharia.

Mrs Macharia also asked teachers to start preparing curriculum delivery materials including time tables, schemes of work, lesson plans and related activities for curriculum implementation and delivery.

“Develop innovative strategies and mechanisms for curriculum implementation while upholding MOH guidelines and protocols for containment of spread of Covid-19 including social distancing, regular hand washing, use of sanitisers and wearing of facemasks,” she said.

Mrs Macharia also said teachers must prepare sharing duties and responsibilities among themselves while making deliberate efforts to protect staff.