Lagos Government has asked academic institutions operating in the state not to reopen this Monday, January 4, as earlier directed but to await a new date.
The decision, the government follows the suspected outbreak of the second wave of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic in the state which has seen three-digit rise in confirmed positive across parts of the metropolis.
Head, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mr Kayode Abayomi, who made this known, Sunday, in a statement, further explained that the second wave of COVID-19 would be a major determinant for the reopening of schools in the state.
“Please, recall that the Ministry of Education earlier announced 4th of January as resumption date for the second term 2020/2021 academic session, but this has since been overtaken by the turn of events due to the recent waves of Covid-19 pandemic.
“As a result of the spike in Coronavirus pandemic, Mr. Governor announced the indefinite closure of all schools. To this end, kindly be informed that a new date of resumption will be announced as soon as possible,” he said.
It would be recalled that earlier, Saturday, state governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu extended the stay-at- home order for all State Public Servants on Grade Levels 14 and below to Monday, January 18, 2021 to stem the second wave of the Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
A statement signed by the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Sunday, noted that the directive excludes staff on essential duty as well as First Responders, urging all public servants to stay safe and ensure continued adherence to all COVID-19 protocols in order to rid the State of the pandemic.
Muri-Okunola also ‘urged all staff to join the virtual Y2021 First Work Day Prayer for all Public Servants in the State via Zoom platform with Meeting ID: 857 4418 2571; Password: 100200 from 7.45a.m on Monday, 4th January, 2021.’
“While maintaining that the service will hold online due to COVID-19, the HoS wished all staff a prosperous and fulfilling new year.”