COVID-19: NAWOJ wants FG to shut schools

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists on Thursday called the on Federal Government to shut down schools in the country to check the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
NAWOJ made the call in a statement signed by its National President, Ifeyinwa Omowole, and National Secretary, Ladi Bala, and issued to newsmen in Damaturu, Yobe State.
The statement said: “As a way of containing this virus, the Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists, (NAWOJ) hereby advices the Federal Government and government at the state and local levels to immediately shut down schools temporarily.
“Schools just like other large gatherings have shown to be an effective ground to spread the virus once one infected person is in the gathering.”
It added that Nigeria must draw vital lessons from countries like China and Italy where the virus spreads at an alarming rate, forcing them to shut down the entire country.
It said: “Even Britain has taken the tough decision to close down schools, while South Korea had done same and many other countries are embracing technology to continue lectures without having the students converging in one place.
“Such measure, we believe, will help to increase the chances of the nation not witnessing an epidemic and stopping it from becoming widespread within the country.
“The Association also calls on Nigerians to complement government’s efforts by adhering to the safety precautions issued by the World Health Organisation.”
NAWOJ commended the Lagos and Osun States Governments for taking the initiative to ban religious and other gatherings with over 50 people.