On Monday, President Kenyatta hinted at the possible re-opening of schools this month amid the COVID-19 crisis. Speaking during the 57th Madaraka Day commemorations at State House, Uhuru Kenyatta said the Interior and Education ministries will soon come to an agreement on back-to-school safety measures by 6th June.
Schools in China, which was once the epicentre of the virus, re-opened recently under strict guidelines issued by the state. Classes are also underway in Norway, Japan, Denmark, China, and Taiwan.
Some of the safety precautions put in place in other countries are: 
  • Requiring students to produce verified negative coronavirus test results.
  • Providing masks to all students and faculty
  • Smaller class sizes 
  • Spacing desks 2 meters apart.
  • Placing thermal scanners at the entrance of classes to monitor everyone's temperature
  • Suspension of P.E.
  • No-contact rules during break time
  • Hand sanitizer dispensers available throughout schools
  • Consistent disinfecting of surfaces 
  • Placing full body sanitizer booths at the entrance of schools
Kenya will likely take cues from China and other developed countries on how to go about reopening schools. 
You too must also take charge of your child(ren)'s safety when they return to school.
Here's how:
  • Purchase a couple of reusable KEBS-approved masks for your child.
  • Make sure they always have hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes.
  • Remind them to wash their hands as often as possible while at school.
  • Get them face shields to prevent them from touching their face.
  • Provide thermometers they'll use to monitor their body temperature while at school.
  • Add multivitamins to their diet to boost their immunity.
  • Petition their schools and the ministry of education to ensure they've put in place stringent safety measures before reopening.
Follow the school re-opening discussion and lend your voice to this crucial debate here.

About The Author

Author
Maureen Kasuku

Maureen is our resident cat lady and Beyoncé stan. She writes about spas, brunch and ballet recitals but has never been to any. Moonlights as a social justice activist in her spare time. She knows things and is obnoxiously opinionated on the internet but not in real life

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