Health Ministry Rolls Out Tough Ebola SOPs for Schools and Universities

The Ministry of Health has issued strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at reinforcing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) prevention and control measures in schools, universities and other learning institutions as the country continues to manage the outbreak response.

The guidelines are designed to ensure that learning institutions remain safe while reducing the risk of Ebola transmission among students, teachers, staff and visitors.

According to the Ministry, schools remain among the most vulnerable settings for infectious disease outbreaks due to constant interaction between learners, staff, parents and surrounding communities.

The SOPs cover all categories of institutions, including nursery and Early Childhood Development centres, primary and secondary schools, boarding and day schools, universities, vocational institutions and special needs schools.

Health officials reiterated that Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with infected blood and other body fluids, as well as contaminated surfaces and infected animals.

Under the new directives, any learner, teacher or staff member suspected of showing Ebola-like symptoms must be immediately isolated and reported to health authorities without delay.

Schools have been instructed to install mandatory handwashing facilities with running water and soap at key points such as entrances, classrooms, dormitories, dining halls, toilets and staff rooms.

They are also required to enforce regular handwashing, introduce temperature screening at entry points, and restrict access for anyone showing signs of infection.

The SOPs further emphasize routine cleaning and disinfection of school environments, including classrooms, dormitories, transport vehicles and frequently touched surfaces.

Institutions have also been urged to discourage physical contact such as handshakes and hugging, while ensuring adequate ventilation in learning and residential spaces.

School leaders carry a central responsibility under the new guidelines. Head teachers and administrators are required to designate isolation areas for suspected cases and ensure availability of essential supplies including soap, water, sanitizers, thermometers and disinfectants.

They must also maintain updated contacts of nearby health facilities and surveillance teams, while regularly sensitising staff and learners on prevention measures.

Teachers and non-teaching staff have been tasked with closely monitoring learners for symptoms, reinforcing hygiene practices and promptly reporting any suspected cases.

They are further advised to avoid direct contact with bodily fluids and promote responsible health behaviour within school communities.

Learners are expected to observe strict hygiene, report illness early, avoid unnecessary physical contact and refrain from sharing personal items.

Parents and guardians have been urged to keep sick children at home and seek immediate medical attention for any child showing Ebola-like symptoms.

They are also encouraged to alert schools if there has been any contact with a suspected or confirmed Ebola case within the household.

In the event of a suspected case, schools must immediately isolate the individual and notify the nearest health facility or district surveillance team.

Staff are directed to limit contact with the patient, use protective equipment where available, and restrict movement within the affected area.

Health officials stressed the importance of calm and order during such incidents, while ensuring thorough disinfection of any contaminated spaces.

Additional measures target boarding facilities and school gatherings, with institutions advised to reduce non-essential assemblies and strengthen health monitoring systems.

Boarding schools are required to prevent overcrowding in dormitories, improve hygiene standards and closely monitor learners returning from holidays or high-risk areas.

They must also keep detailed records of visitors and movement in and out of school premises.

The guidelines extend to hostels, student residences, transport services and food facilities.

Hostels are expected to maintain strict hygiene standards and regularly disinfect shared spaces, while transport operators must clean vehicles, promote hand hygiene and avoid carrying visibly ill passengers.

Cafeterias and canteens have also been directed to enforce food safety hygiene, disinfect dining areas and avoid overcrowding during meal times.

The SOPs come as government intensifies nationwide efforts to contain Ebola through surveillance, public awareness and infection prevention campaigns.

Health authorities continue to urge schools and communities to stay alert, report suspected cases promptly and strictly follow all issued guidelines.

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