The Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) has been temporarily closed down after one of the school’s staff contracted the novel coronavirus disease. Management of the institution have decided to close down the school to prevent the disease from spreading on campus, 3FM reports.
The name and position of the staff member who tested positive for COVID-19 have not been published, but a source said the person has since been put under quarantine.
“Management wishes to announce to both teaching and non-teaching staff that the Institute will be on recess for one week effective Tuesday 18 August 2020,” a notice from the leadership of GIJ to staff said.
“Work resumes on Wednesday 26 August 2020. This is precautionary, measures. All staff should kindly keep to WHO COVID safety protocols whilst for the period.”
Tertiary institutions reopen
The development comes after President Akufo-Addo permitted the reopening of tertiary institutions for continuing students.
This was to allow universities and colleges that have not been able to complete their academic work for this year because of the restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 to do so.
The president said the decision to allow tertiary students to return to school was taken following extensive consultations with stakeholders.
“The exceptions are the University of Cape Coast, the University of Health and Allied Sciences, technical universities and some other colleges,” Akufo-Addo said during his 15th national address on COVID-19.
“After extensive stakeholder consultations, the decision has been taken for continuing students in these tertiary institutions to return to school on 24 August to finish their academic year.”
On-campus isolation centres
To prepare the various tertiary institutions for the return of students, the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service (GES) took steps to disinfect the various campuses.
President Akufo-Addo also gave the assurance that the required personal protective equipment will be made available to the universities.
He further said that isolation centres will be set up at tertiary institutions with their own hospitals and clinics to treat COVID-19 cases.
“Universities will be equipped with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and those with their own hospitals and clinics will have isolation centres to deal with any positive cases,” the president said.
“Social distancing and the wearing of face masks must become the norm on campus,” he said.
E A Alanore
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